In response to reports of a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, the Maharashtra health department has ramped up its monitoring of respiratory infections across the state. HMPV, a respiratory virus first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, is known to cause acute infections in the lower respiratory tract, often mimicking symptoms of the common cold, flu, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The virus tends to peak during winter and early spring, making this a critical period for heightened vigilance.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) issued an advisory on January 3, 2025, emphasizing preventive measures and surveillance protocols. While Maharashtra has reported no cases of HMPV so far, the Public Health Department is actively analysing respiratory infection trends to ensure early detection. Officials confirmed that there has been no significant rise in cases in December 2024 compared to the previous year.