Lok Sabha Question No. 693 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Cases of HMPV
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Subbarayan K, Com. Selvaraj V

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

## LOKSABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 693 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2025

## CASES OFHMPV

## 693. COM. SELVARAJ V: SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- a) whether it is a fact that some cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been detected in the country;
- b) if so, the details thereof;
- c) whether the intensity of the disease has been assessed by the Government and if so, the details thereof; and
- d) the precautionary measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to contain its spread?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c) 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 which has also been corroborated by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) sentinel surveillance data. Since January 6 th , 2025 till 29 th January 2025 a total of 59 cases have been reported by 11 States/UTs in India.

(d) 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.

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## ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE LOKSABHA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 693 REGARDING 'CASES OF HMPV'

-  Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) has been activated at National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) since 6 th 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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