BMC Confirms No HMPV Cases in Mumbai, Urges Public to Stay Cautious
Amid rising global concerns over Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has assured citizens that no cases of the virus have been detected in Mumbai. In an official statement released on Monday, the BMC urged residents to remain calm while adhering to preventive measures to safeguard public health.
The assurance comes in light of reports of HMPV cases in China, prompting authorities in India to monitor the situation closely. The Directorate of Health Services, Pune, issued preventive guidelines on January 3 to address potential risks, but both the Union and Maharashtra governments have confirmed that the virus does not currently pose a significant threat to the public. “The public is advised not to panic unnecessarily. Not a single case of HMPV infection has been reported in Mumbai,” the BMC stated, emphasising that preventive steps are already in place. The state’s Public Health Department has reviewed respiratory infection data for Maharashtra and found no unusual rise in cases for December 2024 compared to the previous year. However, officials have adopted a proactive approach, encouraging citizens to maintain basic hygiene to protect against respiratory infections.
Preventive Measures for Public Safety
The BMC outlined key practices to minimise infection risks: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitisers.
Avoid crowded public spaces if experiencing fever, coughing, or sneezing.
Stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, and ensure proper ventilation in homes.
Avoid touching your face, shaking hands, reusing tissues, and close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Refrain from self-medication and seek professional medical advice when ill.
Understanding HMPV
First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, HMPV is a seasonal virus that typically causes upper respiratory infections. It shares similarities with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza and tends to emerge during winter and early summer.
Both the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have reiterated that HMPV currently does not pose significant concerns in India. The BMC has committed to ongoing monitoring and urged citizens to stay informed by following updates and guidelines from official health authorities. By adopting these preventive measures, Mumbai can continue to mitigate risks associated with respiratory infections and ensure the well-being of its residents.
