J&K prepares measures as HMPV cases surface in India

Srinagar, Jan 06: Jammu and Kashmir is on alert and making the required preparations as the country reported three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) identified through routine surveillance on Monday.
Amid concerns over the HMPV outbreak in China, Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, reassured the public in a video message shared by the Health Ministry that there is no cause for alarm.
He explained that HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, typically causing mild cold-like symptoms, with flu-like symptoms in very young or elderly individuals.
“We have analyzed the data of the respiratory outbreaks within the country. There is no substantial increase in December 2024 data. In any case, during winter there is an outbreak of respiratory virus infection,” he said.
Dr. Goel emphasized that hospitals in India are fully prepared to handle the seasonal rise in respiratory infections, with adequate supplies and beds available. He urged people to follow basic hygiene practices and take general precautions to stay safe during the winter season.
“If case somebody has cough and cold he should avoid coming in contact with lot many people so that the infection does not spread while using a towel or hanky for coughing of sneezing and take the normal medicines that are required for cold or fever whenever it is there. Otherwise, there is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation,” he said.
The J&K Health Department is in touch with the Union Health Ministry, World Health Organization (WHO), and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for any updates.
Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Magotra said every preparation is being done as per requirement under the supervision of the Administrative Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department.
“There is no need to panic. We have not issued any advisory yet. No testing at the Airport is planned yet. The preparations for Government Medical College Jammu are being reviewed,” he said.
As the HMPV cases surfaced in the country, officials of the J&K health department said they will make sure that whatever the eventuality happens (if any), the department will be fully ready and geared up to meet any challenges thrown besides that they are alert.
The officials stated that they remain vigilant and are closely monitoring the situation. They emphasized that there is no reason for the public to worry, as proactive measures are in place to address any potential concerns.
Doctors at major tertiary care hospitals in Kashmir have assured the public that there is no cause for alarm or panic, as the valley also experiences winter-related infections every year.
Public health experts have advised the public to follow standard precautions for respiratory infections, including avoiding contact with others if experiencing cough or cold symptoms.
HMPV is a common respiratory virus that causes lower and upper respiratory infections (like a cold). It is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu.
As per an official, the Union Health Ministry is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. “ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures.”
The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed.
On Jan 04, the Union Health Ministry held a meeting urging people to remain calm amid the tensions over the speculated spread of HMPV in China, assuring that India is prepared to handle respiratory illnesses and that the situation in China is “not unusual”.
On January 06, the country reported three cases of HMPV including two cases from Bengaluru in Karnataka while a third tested positive after being hospitalised in Gujarat. Notably, neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel.