Lok Sabha Question No. 3602 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Spread of HMPV
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Anil Yeshwant Desai

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3602 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## SPREAD OF HMPV

## †3602. SHRI ANIL YESHWANT DESAI:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether it is a fact that after CORONA Virus, a new disease called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is also spreading in the world and in India and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has taken note of its presence in any part of the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether there are any remedies available for its treatment and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has any plan of treatment for the said disease and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government has conducted any public awareness programme in this regard and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

## (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) & (b): The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been present globally since 2001. The data from Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) does not indicate any unusual rise in Influenza Like Illness (ILI)/Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases anywhere in the country and also corroborated by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) sentinel surveillance data. 90 HMPV cases have been reported across the country during the period 6th January 2025 to 27th February 2025 on IDSP portal.

- (c) & (d): The HMPV is one of the many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages particularly during the winter and early spring months. Symptoms may include cough, runny nose, fever sore throat and shortness of breath. The virus infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most cases recover on their own.
- (e): The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has taken several specific measures to monitor and control the spread of HMPV cases and to create public awareness through campaigns regarding HMPV symptoms and prevention strategies. The steps taken by Government of India are enclosed at Annexure.

## ANNEXURE

## ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (e) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3602 REGARDING 'SPREAD OF HMPV'

-  Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) has been activated at National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) since 6th January, 2025 for regular monitoring of HMPV situation. Daily Situational Report (SitRep) is shared to the concerned stakeholders.
-  States/UTs have been advised to be vigilant and send respiratory samples of hospitalized SARI cases to designated Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) for testing and sequencing of positive samples.
-  A robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza is already in place in India through both ICMR and IDSP networks.
-  The states have been advised to enhance Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and awareness among the population regarding prevention of transmission of the virus through simple measures such as washing hands often with soap and water; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are exhibiting symptoms of the disease; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing etc.
-  Government conducted a preparedness drill across the country and it is ascertained that the health system is adequately prepared to deal with the seasonal increase in respiratory illness.
-  Several meetings were held at the level of Secretary (Health & Family Welfare), Director General of Health Services, Joint Monitoring Group with various stakeholders and reviewed the situation of respiratory illnesses in India and the status regarding the HMPV cases. The stakeholders include Department of Health Research, DGHS, Health Secretaries and officials of States, experts from Integrated Disease Surveillance Platform (IDSP), NCDC, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Virology (NIV) and State Surveillance Units of IDSP.
-  States have been advised to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance.

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