HMPV may be more common than reported in the country

Scientists say there could be more Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India than officially acknowledged because the virus is not new and was never notified by the government for reporting by hospitals and the health community.

- Priyanka Sharma

With a few HMPV cases now reported in India, the government has directed laboratories of the Indian Council of Medical Research to start testing for the disease and submit reports to the authorities.

"Since HMPV is reported every year during winters and was not notified, it is likely that there may be more cases in India. However, we do have any threat from HMPV," a senior ICMR scientist said.

"The country's Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme data is not showing any kind of concern related to HMPV and no surge related to the respiratory disease."