HMPV outbreak: Two tests in Chennai raise the number of cases to five in India; JP Nadda says there is "no reason to worry."

Five HMPV cases were found in India on Monday alone. Through routine surveillance for several respiratory viral infections, the ICMR identified two of the five cases in Karnataka. Later, two more instances were found in Chennai. In Ahmedabad, one instance was found.

Cases of HMPV in India: A health official announced on Monday that two toddlers are receiving treatment in Chennai after testing positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). As a result, there are already five verified cases nationwide. Union Health Minister JP Nadda told the public that health officials are keeping a careful eye on the situation, especially given the increase of HMPV cases in China and other nearby nations.

"The Health Ministry, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the National Centre for Disease Control are closely monitoring the situation in China and the neighboring countries in light of recent reports regarding the cases of HMPV in China," Nadda stated.

Five HMPV cases were found in India on Monday, January 6. Through routine surveillance for several respiratory viral infections, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) identified two of the five cases in Karnataka. Later, two more instances were found in Chennai. In Ahmedabad, one instance was found.

In his remarks, Minister Nadda emphasized that "there is no reason to worry" and that India's monitoring networks and health institutions are still alert and ready to handle any new health issues.

Nadda explained that HMPV is not a brand-new virus; it was discovered in 2001 and has been in circulation for a long time throughout the world. The virus mostly affects people of all ages and is conveyed by respiratory droplets; transmission is most common in the winter and early spring.

There hasn't been a noticeable increase in common viral diseases in India, according to the Health Ministry, Indian Council of Medical Research, and National Centre for Disease Control, who are all actively analyzing data on respiratory viruses.

The Union health minister acknowledged that on January 4, a joint monitoring group meeting was convened to evaluate the state of health. Nadda pointed out that although HMPV can result in respiratory ailments that resemble those brought on by COVID-19, there is no reason to panic.