HMPV Virus Cases Live Updates: Can HMPV affect your kidneys? Signs and symptoms to watch out for

Puducherry: One more child in Puducherry tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and is undergoing treatment in the centrally administered JIPMER here, a top official said.

Dr Meenu Singh, director of AIIMS Rishikesh, addressed public concerns regarding human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases previous week. She said the virus is not a new threat and has circulated in India for a long time. HMPV primarily affects children under five, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The virus causes respiratory illness and is most active during winter, often appearing alongside RSV. Symptoms include cold, cough, and shortness of breath. Singh advised prompt medical assessment for children exhibiting such symptoms.

“HMPV is a respiratory virus which usually affects kids under the age of five, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This is not a new virus…It usually affects during winter and occurs alongside RSV. If a child has symptoms of acute respiratory infection like a cold, cough, or shortness of breath, then the child needs to be assessed immediately. Antibiotics don't help treat this virus,” she explained.

While contagious, HMPV generally poses minimal risk to healthy individuals. Serious illness is primarily a concern for premature and low birth weight infants. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of hydration and care for vulnerable groups. She also recommended continued adherence to preventive measures like social distancing and hand hygiene.

“We need not be worried about HMPV as it has been in circulation in India for a long time. Only premature kids with low birth weight may suffer serious illness due to this virus,” Singh added.

Dr Atul Goel, director-general of health services, addressed public concerns regarding human metapneumovirus (HMPV) previous week. He stated that the virus usually causes mild cold-like symptoms and that hospitals are ready for the typical winter increase in respiratory illnesses.

HMPV is comparable to other respiratory viruses. It can cause flu-like symptoms in the very young and the elderly. Goel confirmed that Indian hospitals have enough supplies and beds.

He advised the public to practice good hygiene and take standard precautions during the winter months. "HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, typically causing mild cold-like symptoms, with flu-like symptoms in very young or elderly individuals. 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," Dr Goel explained.

Effective hygiene and preventive measures can help guard against human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Frequent handwashing is crucial. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after being in public places or touching shared surfaces.

If you feel sick, avoid close contact with others and stay home from work or school. Regularly disinfect frequently touched items like doorknobs and phones. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and discard them immediately.

During respiratory virus season, limit exposure of infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems to crowded areas. Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support your immune system. If symptoms develop, consult a doctor.

According to data from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has remained genetically stable without any mutations.

The Pune-based institute regularly conducts genome sequencing of HMPV. In 2024, three designated laboratories in Maharashtra—Pune's NIV, Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital, and Nagpur's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)—tested over 1,500 samples for HMPV from across the state. Of these, only 3% were found to be positive.

Gujarat health minister Rushikesh Patel had confirmed the presence of the HMPV virus, which was first identified in 2001. He emphasized that it remains one of several viruses affecting the respiratory system and announced that the Gujarat government has issued an advisory in response previous week.

Speaking to the media persons, Patel said, "HMPV virus was found in 2001 and is still found today. It is one of the many viruses that are found in the respiratory system. An advisory has been issued by the Gujarat government."

Many wonder if HMPV like Covid can affect other organs of the body, including the kidneys. Experts say there is some evidence around the virus having indirect effect on kidney.

TOI Lifestyle spoke to nephrologists and pulmonologists to understand.HMPV primarily targets the respiratory system, but like many viral infections, it may have effects on other organs in severe cases."The kidneys are the excretory system of the body.

All the waste and toxins are filtered through the kidney. In case of any severe infection there is multisystem involvement and kidneys are vulnerable to damage. Although direct kidney involvement with HMPV is rare. This virus can lead to complications such cytokine storm triggered by a severe immune response which could potentially impair kidney function, usually kidney functions recover with the recovery of patients clinical conditions however in few cases patient might require dialysis also," Dr Anuja Porwal, Director - Nephrology, Fortis Hospital, Noida told TOI Lifestyle.

Recent reports on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in India have sparked concern, especially with outbreaks also being reported in China. However, health experts are urging the public not to panic. A new study conducted by researchers from the Regional Level Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (RVRDL) at JIPMER in Puducherry has uncovered new lineages of HMPV, specifically A2.2.1 and A2.2.2.

Between November 2022 and March 2023, the study revealed a 9.6% positivity rate among patients tested, with peak infections occurring in December and January. The researchers examined nasal swabs collected from January 2021 to June 2024, using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to screen for HMPV. The study highlights the significant prevalence of this virus in children, especially those under 1 year old, with 67% of cases presenting with wheezing and 6.9% experiencing seizures.

HMPV is a respiratory virus divided into two main genetic groups, A and B, each with subgroups (A1, A2, B1, B2). These strains exhibit genetic diversity and cause a range of respiratory infections, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory issues. The study underscores the evolving nature of HMPV, making ongoing surveillance and preparedness crucial for managing future outbreaks.

The findings of this study have been published in the IJID Regions journal.

The health department at SN Medical College in Agra has claimed to offer Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) testing, but in reality, the necessary testing kits have not been procured, leaving suspected patients unable to get tested. The department released control room phone numbers for reporting cases, but no actual arrangements for testing have been made.

SNMC Principal Dr Prashant Gupta explained that they have not yet received official instructions from the administration to purchase the required kits. Although discussions with the relevant company have taken place, the kits will only be procured once further directions are provided. Chief Medical Officer Dr Arun Srivastava stated that efforts are underway to arrange the purchase of the testing kits.

Health experts have addressed growing concerns about human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, emphasizing that the virus is not new and urging people to remain calm while following basic precautions.

HMPV, which causes upper respiratory infections, has drawn attention due to a recent outbreak in China. Although the virus can affect individuals of all age groups, experts noted that India has not experienced an unusual rise in cases.

The virus typically spreads through the air, particularly during winter and early spring. "HMPV is not a new virus; it was first identified in 2001. The virus is an emerging health concern, but there's no reason to panic. Understanding its symptoms, taking necessary precautions, and adhering to testing protocols are critical to managing its spread effectively," said Dr. Aabid Amin Bhat, Medical Director of Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals.

The Rajasthan health department announced on Friday that the state's first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) was identified in an infant from Baran district on October 9. The infant, who was treated at Kota’s JK Lon hospital, has since recovered and is now six months old.

This case from Baran challenges the Union government's assertion that India’s first HMPV cases were detected in two infants from Bengaluru on January 3, indicating that the virus had already begun spreading prior to the advisory.

Baran’s Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO), Sampath Raj Nagar, told TOI that information about the baby, a resident of Balda village, reached the CMHO nearly three months after the child tested positive and received treatment for the virus.

Experts say HMPV is unlike COVID-19 in that it has been around for decades and there is some built-in immunity to it. Most children are infected with the virus by the age of 5.

The rate of infections caused by the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China is decreasing, a health official said on Sunday, amid global concerns about a possible pandemic. HMPV, part of the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus, leads to flu or cold-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and nasal congestion. These symptoms usually resolve on their own but can lead to lower respiratory tract infections in children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

"The human metapneumovirus is not a new virus and has existed among humans for at least several decades," said Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, during a press briefing by the National Health Commission.

Doctors are reassuring the public that human metapneumovirus (HMPV), while present in India, is not similar to Covid-19 and won't cause a pandemic. Dr Sudhir Kumar, known as hyderabaddoctor on X, stresses, "HMPV infection is NOT similar to COVID, and can not become a pandemic." He notes that HMPV is regularly found in children with flu symptoms and that Indian cases show no history of international travel, indicating existing local prevalence. Few HMPV cases, less than 5%, require hospitalization.

Dr Neeraj Nischal, additional professor of internal medicine at AIIMS Delhi, further explains that HMPV is not new. "Let's not compare this (HMPV) with Covid-19 because that was a completely new virus and none of us had immunity against it... HMPV has been described since 2001, and even based on evidence, it dates back to the late 1950s... By the age of 10, the majority of the children develop immunity against this...," he told ANI. Most children develop immunity by age 10.

China’s National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced new monitoring efforts for pneumonia of unknown origin. The announcement came during a press conference held before the new year to review the country’s disease prevention progress. The CDC is developing a broader prevention strategy and is actively monitoring these pneumonia cases.

Health officials also addressed concerns about various respiratory illnesses circulating this winter. Kan Biao, a CDC official, provided an update on several viruses. “Influenza virus has shown a clear upward trend recently… the positive rate of rhinovirus has shown a downward trend… respiratory syncytial virus in those aged 0 to 4 years has shown an upward trend recently, and the positive rate of HMPV in cases aged 14 and below has also shown an upward trend,” he said.Despite some increases in certain viruses, overall respiratory illness rates are down. Biao said, “the scale and intensity of the spread of respiratory infectious diseases are lower than last year.” The CDC did not elaborate on the specific numbers associated with these trends.

Amid growing concerns over the detection of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, health experts have emphasised the virus is not new, and advised people to stay calm and take basic precautions. HMPV, that causes upper respiratory infection, recently gained attention following an outbreak in China. While it can affect people of all age groups, experts said India has not witnessed any unusual surge in cases.
The HMPV typically spreads through the air, especially during winter and early spring.

"HMPV is not a new virus; it was first identified in 2001. The virus is an emerging health concern, but there's no reason to panic. Understanding its symptoms, taking necessary precautions, and adhering to testing protocols are critical to managing its spread effectively," said Dr Aabid Amin Bhat, the Medical Director at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals.

The Chhattisgarh government had established a technical committee on Thursday to monitor human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections within the state. This action followed guidance from the Union ministry of health and family welfare, urging states to raise public awareness about the virus. The committee, led by Dr S K Pambhoi, Director of Epidemic Control, will provide recommendations and guidelines for preventing and managing HMPV infections. They will also develop an action plan and regularly report their findings to the state's health department.

An official said, “The committee is headed by director of epidemic control Dr S K Pambhoi and will make necessary suggestions and issue guidelines regarding prevention, awareness and future action plan against HMPV infection. The panel will submit its report from time to time to the state's health department.”

Dr Meenu Singh, director of AIIMS Rishikesh, addressed public concerns regarding human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases on Wednesday. She said the virus is not a new threat and has circulated in India for a long time. HMPV primarily affects children under five, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The virus causes respiratory illness and is most active during winter, often appearing alongside RSV. Symptoms include cold, cough, and shortness of breath. Singh advised prompt medical assessment for children exhibiting such symptoms.

“HMPV is a respiratory virus which usually affects kids under the age of five, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This is not a new virus…It usually affects during winter and occurs alongside RSV. If a child has symptoms of acute respiratory infection like a cold, cough, or shortness of breath, then the child needs to be assessed immediately. Antibiotics don't help treat this virus,” she explained.

While contagious, HMPV generally poses minimal risk to healthy individuals. Serious illness is primarily a concern for premature and low birth weight infants. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of hydration and care for vulnerable groups. She also recommended continued adherence to preventive measures like social distancing and hand hygiene.

“We need not be worried about HMPV as it has been in circulation in India for a long time. Only premature kids with low birth weight may suffer serious illness due to this virus,” Singh added.

China’s National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced new monitoring efforts for pneumonia of unknown origin. The announcement came during a press conference held before the new year to review the country’s disease prevention progress. The CDC is developing a broader prevention strategy and is actively monitoring these pneumonia cases.

Health officials also addressed concerns about various respiratory illnesses circulating this winter. Kan Biao, a CDC official, provided an update on several viruses. “Influenza virus has shown a clear upward trend recently… the positive rate of rhinovirus has shown a downward trend… respiratory syncytial virus in those aged 0 to 4 years has shown an upward trend recently, and the positive rate of HMPV in cases aged 14 and below has also shown an upward trend,” he said.

Despite some increases in certain viruses, overall respiratory illness rates are down. Biao said, “the scale and intensity of the spread of respiratory infectious diseases are lower than last year.” The CDC did not elaborate on the specific numbers associated with these trends.

​Doctors are reassuring the public that human metapneumovirus (HMPV), while present in India, is not similar to Covid-19 and won't cause a pandemic. Dr Sudhir Kumar, known as hyderabaddoctor on X, stresses, "HMPV infection is NOT similar to COVID, and can not become a pandemic." He notes that HMPV is regularly found in children with flu symptoms and that Indian cases show no history of international travel, indicating existing local prevalence. Few HMPV cases, less than 5%, require hospitalization.

Dr Neeraj Nischal, additional professor of internal medicine at AIIMS Delhi, further explains that HMPV is not new. "Let's not compare this (HMPV) with Covid-19 because that was a completely new virus and none of us had immunity against it... HMPV has been described since 2001, and even based on evidence, it dates back to the late 1950s... By the age of 10, the majority of the children develop immunity against this...," he told ANI. Most children develop immunity by age 10.

Dr Atul Goel, director-general of health services, addressed public concerns regarding human metapneumovirus (HMPV) today. He stated that the virus usually causes mild cold-like symptoms and that hospitals are ready for the typical winter increase in respiratory illnesses.

HMPV is comparable to other respiratory viruses. It can cause flu-like symptoms in the very young and the elderly. Goel confirmed that Indian hospitals have enough supplies and beds.

He advised the public to practice good hygiene and take standard precautions during the winter months. "HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, typically causing mild cold-like symptoms, with flu-like symptoms in very young or elderly individuals. 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," Dr Goel explained.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported Thursday that rising acute respiratory infections, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV), in the Northern Hemisphere are following typical seasonal patterns. Many countries are experiencing increases, but these are not unusual for this time of year.

These infections are commonly caused by viruses like seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and others including HMPV and mycoplasma pneumonia, according to the WHO. The simultaneous circulation of multiple respiratory viruses during winter can sometimes strain healthcare systems.

The WHO noted that HMPV is frequently found in many countries from winter to spring. “HMPV is a common respiratory virus found to circulate in many countries in winter through to spring, although not all countries routinely test and publish data on trends in HMPV. While some cases can be hospitalized with bronchitis or pneumonia, most people infected with hMPV have mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold and recover after a few days.”

​​​ While most HMPV infections cause mild cold-like symptoms, some cases may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia requiring hospitalization.

Effective hygiene and preventive measures can help guard against human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Frequent handwashing is crucial. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after being in public places or touching shared surfaces.

If you feel sick, avoid close contact with others and stay home from work or school. Regularly disinfect frequently touched items like doorknobs and phones. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and discard them immediately.

During respiratory virus season, limit exposure of infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems to crowded areas. Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support your immune system. If symptoms develop, consult a doctor.

The prevalence and severity of respiratory infectious diseases in China are currently lower compared to last year, according to a statement by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday. The spokesperson also assured that China remains committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and convenient environment for both domestic and international travellers.

Amid rising attention to the increasing cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, concerns about travel safety have emerged, along with online rumors about an "unknown virus in China."

Addressing these concerns at a daily press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed such claims, clarifying that HMPV is not a new virus. Citing health authorities, Guo emphasized that HMPV has been circulating in humans for over six decades and is a common cause of upper respiratory infections.

According to data from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has remained genetically stable without any mutations.

The Pune-based institute regularly conducts genome sequencing of HMPV. In 2024, three designated laboratories in Maharashtra—Pune's NIV, Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital, and Nagpur's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)—tested over 1,500 samples for HMPV from across the state. Of these, only 3% were found to be positive.

Gujarat health minister Rushikesh Patel has confirmed the presence of the HMPV virus, which was first identified in 2001. He emphasized that it remains one of several viruses affecting the respiratory system and announced that the Gujarat government has issued an advisory in response on Friday.

Speaking to the media persons, Patel said, "HMPV virus was found in 2001 and is still found today. It is one of the many viruses that are found in the respiratory system. An advisory has been issued by the Gujarat government."

Many wonder if HMPV like Covid can affect other organs of the body, including the kidneys. Experts say there is some evidence around the virus having indirect effect on kidney.

TOI Lifestyle spoke to nephrologists and pulmonologists to understand.HMPV primarily targets the respiratory system, but like many viral infections, it may have effects on other organs in severe cases."The kidneys are the excretory system of the body.

All the waste and toxins are filtered through the kidney. In case of any severe infection there is multisystem involvement and kidneys are vulnerable to damage. Although direct kidney involvement with HMPV is rare. This virus can lead to complications such cytokine storm triggered by a severe immune response which could potentially impair kidney function, usually kidney functions recover with the recovery of patients clinical conditions however in few cases patient might require dialysis also," Dr Anuja Porwal, Director - Nephrology, Fortis Hospital, Noida told TOI Lifestyle.

Two fresh cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were confirmed in Gujarat on Saturday, bringing the total to five infections reported within a week. The recent cases involve a nine-month-old boy in Ahmedabad and a 59-year-old man from Kutch, both with no travel history, according to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

Earlier cases included an eight-year-old boy from Sabarkantha, an 80-year-old asthmatic man, and a two-month-old infant from Rajasthan. Symptoms of HMPV include fever, nasal congestion, cough, and breathing difficulties.

Discovered in 2001, HMPV is part of the Paramyxoviridae family and spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, or direct contact with infected individuals. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

A three-year-old child in Puducherry, who had been receiving treatment for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) at a private hospital for several days, was discharged on Saturday. V Ravichandran, the Director of Health for Puducherry, told PTI that the child has fully recovered. The parents were given important instructions on how to care for their child and take necessary precautions at home. This was the first reported case of HMPV in Puducherry.

Recent reports on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in India have sparked concern, especially with outbreaks also being reported in China. However, health experts are urging the public not to panic. A new study conducted by researchers from the Regional Level Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (RVRDL) at JIPMER in Puducherry has uncovered new lineages of HMPV, specifically A2.2.1 and A2.2.2.

Between November 2022 and March 2023, the study revealed a 9.6% positivity rate among patients tested, with peak infections occurring in December and January. The researchers examined nasal swabs collected from January 2021 to June 2024, using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to screen for HMPV. The study highlights the significant prevalence of this virus in children, especially those under 1 year old, with 67% of cases presenting with wheezing and 6.9% experiencing seizures.

HMPV is a respiratory virus divided into two main genetic groups, A and B, each with subgroups (A1, A2, B1, B2). These strains exhibit genetic diversity and cause a range of respiratory infections, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory issues. The study underscores the evolving nature of HMPV, making ongoing surveillance and preparedness crucial for managing future outbreaks.

The findings of this study have been published in the IJID Regions journal.

As Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases begin to surface, government hospitals in the Ranchi, including the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) and Sadar Hospital, are ramping up their readiness to manage potential outbreaks. Sadar Hospital has dedicated 30 beds equipped with oxygen support to treat severe cases, with facilities like oxygen plants and various cylinder options available. Dr. Prabhat Kumar, the civil surgeon, emphasized that timely intervention can effectively manage HMPV, which is a common virus.

Meanwhile, Rims has already received 50 RT-PCR testing kits and has ordered an additional 500 for future use. Rims Director Dr. Raj Kumar stated, “We are fully prepared with testing kits, medications, and beds with ventilation support to handle HMPV cases. Our team is on high alert, and we’re ready to conduct random testing for individuals with symptoms, especially those at higher risk, such as those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension.”

Both hospitals are working diligently to ensure adequate resources are in place, with specialist doctors on standby to manage any severe cases, reassuring the public that HMPV remains a manageable virus with the right medical response.

The health department at SN Medical College in Agra has claimed to offer Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) testing, but in reality, the necessary testing kits have not been procured, leaving suspected patients unable to get tested. The department released control room phone numbers for reporting cases, but no actual arrangements for testing have been made.

SNMC Principal Dr Prashant Gupta explained that they have not yet received official instructions from the administration to purchase the required kits. Although discussions with the relevant company have taken place, the kits will only be procured once further directions are provided. Chief Medical Officer Dr Arun Srivastava stated that efforts are underway to arrange the purchase of the testing kits.

A ten-month-old infant in Assam has been diagnosed with human metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking the first confirmed case of the season, officials revealed on Saturday. The child, currently stable, is being treated at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh.

Dr Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan, AMCH superintendent, stated that the infection was detected during routine influenza testing conducted by the Lahowal-based ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre. "HMPV is a common virus with mild symptoms in most cases, so there is no cause for alarm," Bhuyan reassured.

Since 2014, 110 HMPV cases have been recorded in Dibrugarh, according to senior scientist Dr Biswajit Borkakoty from ICMR-RMRC. The virus, which primarily affects respiratory health across all age groups, tends to peak during winter and early spring, with most individuals recovering naturally.