Experts, officials and ministers have urged people to remain calm, and not panic, as reports of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) confirmed cases in India triggered widespread concerns and questions about whether this was the start of another pandemic, reminiscent of COVID times. 

On January 6, panic gripped India after the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance. Both cases, detected at Bengaluru Baptist Hospital, were identified as part of ICMR’s ongoing monitoring of respiratory illnesses across the country. 

Union Health Minister, J.P. Nadda took to social media and said that health experts have clarified that this virus, identified in 2001, is not new. “There is no reason to worry,” he said.

He went on to explain that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ICMR and NCDC were nevertheless constantly monitoring the situation, and that the WHO had taken cognizance of the situation and will share their report shortly with the government of India.  

“The country data for respiratory viruses available with Indian Council for medical research (ICMR) and the integrated disease surveillance program has also been reviewed and no surge in any of the common respiratory viral pathogens is observed in India.  The joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of director general for Health Services on January 4, 2025 to review the situation. The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges,” he added.

केंद्रीय स्वास्थ्य मंत्री श्री @JPNadda ने #HMPV मामलों को लेकर किसी भी तरह की चिंता की आवश्यकता नहीं होने का आश्वासन दिया है।

उन्होंने बताया कि यह वायरस पहले ही 2001 में पहचाना गया था और यह नया नहीं है। यह मुख्य रूप से सर्दियों और वसंत ऋतु की शुरुआत में फैलता है।

भारत में इस… pic.twitter.com/e7NwDcdmBY

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 6, 2025

“Stay calm, no need to panic,” Karnataka’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, also wrote on X (formerly Twitter), after 2 cases of HMPV was confirmed in his state. He reassured the public that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus has been present in India for decades, and that it is similar to a common cold or flu. 

"All necessary precautions are in place to prevent further transmission. Our Health Department is fully prepared to manage cases and ensure community safety," he wrote, while also urging people to “[s]tay calm, follow hygiene practices, and trust authentic updates from credible sources."

No need to panic, HMPV virus is present in India for decades. It behaves similar to common cold or influenza. All necessary precautions are in place to prevent further transmission. Our Health Department is fully prepared to manage cases and ensure community safety.

Stay calm,… pic.twitter.com/Of7Drd1cv2

— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) January 6, 2025

Others like Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist of WHO, and Dr Abdul Ghafur, Coordinator, Chennai Declaration on AMR, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospital, Chennai, have also spoken out about the "unnecessary" panic that has gripped the nation in light of the cases. 

“It’s a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild. Rather than jump at detection of every pathogen, we should all take normal precautions when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash hands, avoid crowds, consult Dr if severe symptoms," said Dr Swaminathan.

 “This is highly misleading and unscientific. HMPV is not a new virus—it is a common cold virus that has been known for decades. With the increased use of multiplex PCR panels for respiratory infections, it is common to detect HMPV in patients presenting with symptoms of a cold,” Dr Ghafur said.

While he says complications can occasionally develop, as with any virus, “these are typically limited to high-risk groups such as immunocompromised individuals, young children, and the elderly.”

“Importantly, HMPV is far less dangerous than viruses like influenza (flu). In fact, even in China, recent data show that 30% of respiratory infections are due to influenza, while only 7% are attributed to HMPV. Influenza, which can cause severe illness and has a higher mortality rate, remains a much greater public health concern than HMPV. We must avoid spreading baseless fear and instead focus on educating the public with accurate, evidence-based information. Such scaremongering is counterproductive and unacceptable,” he explained.

While the government and other experts have maintained that there is no need for panic as HMPV is not a new virus, Dr GC Khilnani, Chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, explained why concerns continue to persist.

“The unconfirmed reports from China regarding serious outbreak of HMPV is naturally causing `panic’ in the world as the sad memories of Covid with 71 lakh deaths and suffering which is still fresh in our minds. Many are still suffering from aftereffects of Covid,” Dr Khilnani said in a statement.

He said HPMV is an RNA virus which was recognized in 2001 and ever since it is known as a seasonal viral illness occurring in young children and elderly in winters. “However, it is potentially lethal especially in immunocompromised and elderly. RNA virus is notorious for `Mutations’ and every mutant have different characteristics of clinical illness, potential for transmission and causing lethality. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant and enhance testing by research laboratories,” he said.

Also read: Two Bengaluru infants test HMPV positive, health ministry assures preparedness - First Check