Delhi Gears Up for HMPV Preparedness: Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj Issues Directives to Health Department

New Delhi: Following the detection of two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Monday, December 6, 2025, directed the Health and Family Welfare Department to ensure preparedness in Delhi. He emphasized that all hospitals should be equipped to manage a potential rise in respiratory illnesses, following guidance from the Union Health Ministry.

Bharadwaj instructed the department to maintain communication with the Union Health Ministry for timely updates and to address any issues promptly. He stated, “Action should not be delayed. Bring matters to my attention immediately if further directives are required. Hospitals under the Delhi Government must be fully prepared to handle an increase in respiratory cases.”

Additionally, the Health Minister ordered the Delhi Health Secretary to inspect three hospitals daily and provide detailed reports. These reports should include updates on the Essential Drug List (EDL), availability of medicines and ICU beds, functionality of equipment, and the status of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed the detection of two HMPV cases in Karnataka during routine surveillance of respiratory viral pathogens. The Health Ministry clarified that these cases were identified as part of ICMR’s efforts to monitor and control respiratory illnesses. While HMPV is a globally circulating respiratory virus, including in India, there has been no significant surge in cases within the country.

One case involved a three-month-old female infant admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. She was diagnosed with HMPV and discharged after treatment. The second case was an eight-month-old infant, also with a history of bronchopneumonia, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025. The child is currently stable and recovering. Neither infant had international travel history, suggesting these are localized cases rather than part of an international outbreak.