The Indian health ministry reported HMPV infection cases on January 7, 2025, marking the country among the first to document the infection alongside the United States, its first discovery being in 2001. With fears raised by the Ministry regarding the spread of the virus, as its origins trace back to Respiratory Syncytial Virus, India seeks to prepare itself for over 500 thousand cases of potential influenza to prevent a repeat of the Covid-19 crisis.
As of now, eleven patients are reported to be suffering from the infection in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra. A deeper exploration of public health in India through the eye of the authorities as they attempt to devise a response to the outbreak of HMPV revolving around its symptoms and nature.
Infection
Bounding along the lifetime of a common cold, HMPV has been severely under-studied when compared to its siblings ranging from the common RSV to influenza, amassing a host of symptoms such multicultural fever alongside respiratory issues, cough, and malaise.
Transmission
Primarily, HMPV is transmitted through droplets that are expelled when an infected person coughs, or sneezes. Additionally, infected surfaces can hold the virus for hours giving the possibility of transmission by touching one’s face after contaminated surfaces. Such a virus seems to have more common outbreaks in the winter months.
Symptoms
The following symptoms are often associated with HMPV:
- Coughing: Usually dry coughing and often severe during the night.
- Fevers: Usually of mild to moderate type.
- Nasal Blockage: Often due to runny noses.
- Trouble Breathing: This is common in the severest cases.
- Pain in the Throat: Can be felt with the other symptoms mentioned above.
In infants and elderly patients, HMPV has been known to cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Depending on the patient, these factors may include age, current conditions such as diabetes and of course one’s immunity level, inflammation can vary dramatically.
Risk Factors
There are also groups of people who are more likely to get severely ill after being infected by HMPV.
They include:
Very Young Children (including newborns): Resistance to HMPV infection is still not fully formed in them.
Old Age People: During the old age tolerating HMPV infection becomes more difficult as their immune system weakens with age.
Chronic Smokers or People with Respiratory Diseases: Such as asthma or COPD.
People effected by HIV or AIDS: Chemotherapy patients are also profoundly effected as their immune system is weak.
Current Situation in India
The occurrence of HMPV cases in India seems to have occurred around the same time as the reports of an HMPV outbreak in China. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that the initial cases were confirmed in the beginning of January 2025. Here are the specifics of the cases which have been reported up till now:
Karnataka: Two children under the age of two tested positive in Bengaluru.
Gujarat: A case was also confirmed in Ahmedabad.
Tamil Nadu: Two cases were confirmed in the cities of Chennai and Salem.
Maharashtra: More cases were identified and the measures for further spread were directed to be undertaken by Delhi health authorities.
The health officials have confirmed that all the affected individuals have been put under medication and as of now it has been said by them that the condition is improving. Most importantly, it is worth noting that no child had travelled outside the county which means further spread can be through local means.
Precautionary Measures
Considering the cases which have arisen, some of the precautionary measures need to be adhered to have been issued to be adhered to.
- Maintain Hygiene:
- Wash hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds or swab for at least once every two hours.
- Use hand rub sanitisers with a minimum of 60% alcohol content, if soap is not available.
- Mask Wearing:
- Mask Wearing in public still reduces the chance of getting infected, if in a crowded area of high population as the person isn’t completely being exposed.
- Masks should not only cover the mouth but the nose as well.
- Avoid Public Gatherings:
- Limit attendance in public gatherings during the seasons with reported high infections rates.
- If possible, choose gatherings that can be done outside rather than those held indoors.
- Stay Up to Date:
- Follow health authority updates about HMPV updates and other relevant respiratory viruses.
- It is advisable to follow the health department recommendations in your area.
- Keep Updated With Available Vaccines:
- You should keep yourself updated with useful vaccines for other respiratory viruses like influenza, since there is no vaccine for HMPV, by doing this you will reduce the overall chances of falling ill
Active Community Participation
There is a need to carry out community awareness campaigns on HMPV, to help people understand its risks and how it spreads. Health departments have developed the use of social media, community workshops and school programs, among others, to inform people on preventive measures.
Epidemiological Insights
A number of health experts have refrained from suggesting that HMPV poses a serious public health threat and the former chief of AIIMS Dr Randeep Guleria has suggested that HPMV can cause severe illness in high-risk individuals. However, he stressed that the infection is self-resolving and only adequate hydration and nutrition is required and not antibiotics.
Importance of Early Detection
Experts stress the fact that early detection is a significant factor in controlling outbreaks. Rapid diagnosis can aid in the swift diagnosis of infected individuals thereby allowing for effective treatment and reduce the spread of the disease among people.
Research Initiatives
It will be crucial to conduct some research to get better insight on the determinants for HMPV to inform control measures:
Genomic Studies: It may be possible to determine the extent of transmission by looking at circulating viral strains in India.
Clinical Research: Developing treatment strategies for targeted therapy for severe cases may improve the care model.
Vaccine Development for HMPV
No specific vaccines addressing HMPV currently exist, however, investigation into vaccines for related viruses is expected to yield results in the distant future:
Collaborative Efforts: The private sector and state should cooperate, which will intensify research on vaccine development.
Public Health Funding: Increased expenditure on research targeting respiratory viruses will, over time, give dividends.
Strengthening Healthcare Systems of HMPV
The readiness of the health care system for possible increased frequency of respiratory infections should be emphasized as well:
Resource Allocation: There should be sufficient availability of consumables such as ventilators and oxygen therapy units.
Training Healthcare Workers: These viruses’ dynamics keep changing which makes it imperative for healthcare professionals to undergo training on the latest information and techniques to tackle the imminent danger during new outbreaks.
Economic Impact of HMPV
The rate of HMPV infections can interfere with healthcare systems triggering the overuse of health services with the result resulting in HMPV infections becoming more costly to the government and patients:
Severe cases that result in the increased inability to self-care and thus require hospitalization will increase spending for the government on HMPV.
Conclusion
As we find ourselves in a period of uncertainty that arises with new viral infections, such as HMPV, it is recommended that people remain educated about the health concerns and their guidelines concerning respiratory diseases. Such a strategy allows for self and public protection from any possible consequences concerning new viral threats while remaining much calmer about the endless fears of new outbreaks.
