India News

HMPV cases in India: Expert issues advisory as virus spreads in several states

Published

2 years ago

January 8, 2025

Union Health Ministry confirms 2 HMPV cases in Bengaluru, says no international travel history

India is currently witnessing a rise in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that has affected 11 people across multiple states. The virus, which has been present globally for years, was identified in 2001 and remains a common cause of respiratory illnesses, particularly in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Experts are warning that HMPV spreads more rapidly when immunity is weak, urging caution as the country monitors the situation closely.

HMPV cases and spread across India

The recent surge in HMPV cases includes reports from several cities across India. The latest case, a six-month-old baby from Mumbai, was confirmed at Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, bringing the total to 11 cases. The breakdown of cases includes two in Bengaluru, one in Gujarat, two in Chennai, three in Kolkata, and now three in Maharashtra. Health officials have noted that while the virus is not new, its spread appears to be accelerating.

Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS, explained that although HMPV typically causes mild symptoms, it can lead to severe respiratory issues in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. “The virus itself is usually self-limiting, and symptomatic treatment is often sufficient,” he added, advising people to stay hydrated, manage fever, and avoid crowded places to prevent further spread.

No need for alarm, says health authorities

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has reassured the public, stating that there is no cause for panic. “Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus, and we are closely monitoring the situation,” he said. Additionally, Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, assured residents that the state government is taking necessary precautions and staying alert to the situation. Authorities in Patna have urged the public to remain calm and adhere to guidelines provided by both the Central and Bihar governments.

No Vaccine for HMPV Yet, But Flu and Covid Vaccines Provide Some Protection

While there is no specific vaccine for HMPV, health experts have indicated that flu shots and the three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine can provide some immunity against the virus. “Although a vaccine for HMPV is still not available, regular flu shots and Covid-19 vaccinations offer some level of protection,” said a health expert.

Understanding the impact of HMPV

HMPV is primarily known for causing respiratory issues, with symptoms similar to RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and the flu. For most healthy individuals, the virus causes mild illness, but for vulnerable populations, such as infants, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, it can lead to pneumonia and other severe respiratory conditions. The most common symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, cough, and a runny nose. In severe cases, the virus can lead to breathlessness, rapid breathing, and chest retractions.

Growing concerns over global and regional spread

Globally, the rise in HMPV cases is coinciding with other respiratory health crises. The United Kingdom is currently grappling with a ‘quad-demic’ crisis, with rising cases of flu, norovirus, RSV, and COVID-19. The situation has been further complicated by the growing HMPV cases in China, highlighting the need for effective vaccines and treatments to address such widespread outbreaks.

Measures to prevent HMPV spread

Health authorities recommend several preventive measures to curb the spread of HMPV. Regular hand washing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and practicing respiratory hygiene by covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing are essential. Public places should be frequently disinfected, and individuals with symptoms of the virus are advised to stay home to prevent transmission. For those showing more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or persistent fever, seeking medical attention is strongly recommended, especially for high-risk individuals.

Mizoram takes proactive measures

In response to the rise in cases, the Mizoram government has formed a dedicated committee to closely monitor the situation. Health Minister Lalrinpuii led a meeting to discuss the matter, signaling the state’s commitment to staying ahead of the virus’s spread.

HMPV may not be new, but its growing presence in India and its potential to cause severe respiratory issues in vulnerable populations highlight the need for vigilance. Health experts are urging people to take preventive measures seriously and stay informed as the situation develops.

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PM Modi takes aim at critics with Dimagi Naxal remark at SRCC centenary address

PM Modi revived his dimagi Naxal remark at SRCC’s centenary celebrations and spoke about India’s development journey.

Published

28 mins ago

September 6, 2026

APNLive Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi revived his ‘dimagi Naxal’ remark while addressing the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi on Saturday, using the term to criticise his opponents.

Speaking to students at the Delhi college, PM Modi described the phrase as a “homeopathic pill” and said it had prompted those he described as “dimagi Naxals” to come forward and reveal their views.

The prime minister also used his address to speak to Gen-Z about India’s development journey and asked students to consider the challenges the country had faced in the past.

PM Modi recalls past crises

During his speech, PM Modi referred to the 2013 Kedarnath disaster and the 2008 global financial crisis while criticising the handling of national emergencies by previous governments.

He said the government at the time of the Kedarnath disaster was shaken and questioned its ability to respond to the crisis.

Referring to the 2008 banking crisis, PM Modi alleged that the government of the time failed to effectively deal with the situation and claimed that India’s banking system was pushed close to collapse.

Prime minister lists challenges faced by his government

PM Modi also highlighted several major global crises that occurred during his government’s tenure.

He mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, disruptions to global trade and supply chains, and the crisis in West Asia.

The prime minister said there had been concerns that India would struggle during these crises but argued that the country had continued to move forward.

PM Modi’s earlier SRCC visit

PM Modi had earlier visited SRCC in 2013, when he was the chief minister of Gujarat. His speech at the college received significant attention, particularly on social media, ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

His latest visit came during the college’s centenary celebrations, where his address focused on young people, India’s development ambitions and the challenges faced by the country.

India News

India Metro Rail Network May Overtake US in 2 Years

India’s metro rail network has reached 1,170 km across 26 cities. Union minister Manohar Lal said the country could overtake the US in network length within two years.

Published

15 hours ago

September 5, 2026

APNLive Desk

India is on track to become the country with the second-largest metro rail network in the world after China, with Union Minister Manohar Lal saying the country could overtake the United States within the next two years.

India’s metro rail network has now expanded to 1,170 km across 26 cities. The network is only 216 km shorter than the US metro rail network, which stands at 1,386 km, according to figures cited by the minister.

India’s metro network expands rapidly

Speaking after the inauguration of an extended metro service in Indore, Manohar Lal highlighted the pace at which metro connectivity has grown in India.

He said metro services were operational across just 245 km in five cities when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014. The network has since expanded to 1,170 km across 26 cities.

The minister said India could overtake the US in terms of metro rail network length in the next two years and become the world’s second-largest country in this segment after China.

China currently has around 8,000 km of metro rail lines, according to the figures cited by the minister.

Indore metro extension inaugurated

The minister made the remarks after inaugurating an extended section of the Indore metro. The project was built at a cost of around Rs 2,850 crore.

The Indore metro was earlier operating commercially on a six-km stretch between Gandhi Nagar and Super Corridor-3 stations. Following the extension, the service will operate on a 17-km route between Gandhi Nagar and Malviya Nagar Chauraha.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the metro service would mark a new phase in Indore’s development. He also said the network would eventually be extended to Ujjain and other nearby areas.

India’s metro rail network: Key figures

India currently has 1,170 km of operational metro rail network.
Metro services are operational across 26 cities.
The US has around 1,386 km of metro rail network.
India is currently 216 km behind the US.
China has around 8,000 km of metro rail lines.
India’s operational network stood at 245 km across five cities in 2014.

India News

PM Modi returns to SRCC after 13 years, revisits 2013 glass full speech

PM Narendra Modi returned to SRCC after 13 years for its centenary celebrations, revisiting themes from his landmark 2013 address.

Published

15 hours ago

September 5, 2026

APNLive Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) on Saturday, 13 years after his previous visit to the institution as Gujarat chief minister.

His latest visit came as SRCC marked its centenary celebrations. Modi’s 2013 address at the college had attracted significant attention as he spoke about India’s youth, governance and the country’s demographic potential.

In 2013, Modi was Gujarat chief minister and had not yet been named the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. He returned to the same campus this year as Prime Minister, having completed 12 years as Prime Minister and serving his third consecutive term.

What PM Modi said at SRCC in 2013

The 2013 lecture was titled Emerging Business Models in the Global Scenario. The address also covered governance and India’s young population.

He described India’s youth as a source of national strength rather than simply a group of new-age voters. He also highlighted India’s demographic advantage and argued that the country needed to make better use of its young population.

One of the notable moments from the speech involved a glass of water. Modi contrasted the conventional descriptions of a glass as half full or half empty and said he viewed it as full, with half containing water and the other half air.

The speech also included his remarks on technology and young Indians. Referring to an anecdote from a visit to Taiwan, Modi used the phrase “mouse-charmers” to describe Indians using computers and suggested that young Indians had the ability to influence the world through technology.

‘Minimum government, maximum governance’

Modi’s 2013 address also touched on governance. He spoke about the role of government and the need for better governance.

He also spoke about India’s potential in the 21st century.

Modi returns as PM for SRCC centenary

The September 5 visit coincided with Teachers’ Day and SRCC’s 100th anniversary. The Prime Minister’s Office had announced that Modi would participate in the college’s centenary celebrations and address the gathering. SRCC was established in 1926 by industrialist and philanthropist Sir Shri Ram.

Earlier this year, Modi also met the SRCC governing body at his residence in April in connection with the college’s centenary celebrations and released a commemorative postage stamp marking the occasion.

The return to SRCC came 13 years after his 2013 appearance at the college, when he addressed students as Gujarat chief minister.