Amid growing concerns over the surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country, several states have intensified their efforts related to health measures. Doctors and experts are currently focusing on surveillance and prevention to address the challenge. While, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) said, “There is no need to panic,” speculations about a possible lockdown have begun to surface. #Lockdown has started trending on micro-blogging platform X.

A total of seven cases of HMPV have been reported so far in India, with two cases in Bengaluru, one in Gujarat, two suspected cases in Nagpur, and two cases from Tamil Nadu. Earlier on Tuesday, a six-month-old baby reportedly tested positive for the virus in Mumbai.

Dr Pinaki R Debnath, HoD, Paediatric Surgery from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital told ANI that the HMPV existed earlier and it broke out now due to reasons such as cold. “Human Metapneumovirus is not a new virus, it is an old virus. It existed earlier too. It erupted right now because of some reasons like cold. This happens in cold. This is a respiratory RNA virus; it infects the respiratory system,” Debnath said.

Amid this, many users are drawing parallels between HMPV and the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 which became a global pandemic.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has addressed the growing concern about the virus. In a social media post, he said, “Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus and has been circulating globally for many years. The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no cause for concern, and we are closely monitoring the situation.”

However, there is no official statement released by the government so far.