Maharashtra Issues Health Advisory After HMPV Cases Detected in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad

The Maharashtra government issued a health advisory on Monday following the detection of three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. The advisory was issued as a precautionary measure while the Union Health Ministry assured that the situation is under close monitoring.

Two HMPV cases were reported in Karnataka as part of routine surveillance conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), according to the Union Health Ministry. One case involved a three-month-old female infant in Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. She was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital.

The third case was reported in Ahmedabad, where a two-month-old boy from Dungarpur, Rajasthan, tested positive for HMPV. The infant was admitted to a private hospital in the Chandkheda area on December 24 with symptoms of respiratory infection, health officials confirmed.

Maharashtra's Advisory
In the wake of these developments, the Maharashtra health department advised citizens to take the following precautions:

- Cover the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

- Wash hands frequently with soap.

- Avoid public places if experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.


State health officials emphasized that there is no immediate cause for concern regarding the HMPV cases and assured that the situation is being closely monitored in collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Union Health Ministry's Assurance
The Union Health Ministry also confirmed that it is tracking the situation closely with inputs from the World Health Organization (WHO). Officials in Maharashtra clarified that the reported cases in India are unrelated to recent concerns about HMPV in China.

The advisory aims to ensure public safety and preparedness while preventing the potential spread of the virus.​