5 HMPV Cases Have Sensex in Tailspin

Cases in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai; Mumbai authorites reassure situation is under control

Health officials across India are closely monitoring the emergence of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with five confirmed cases being reported thus far.

In Bengaluru, a three-month-old baby, who has been discharged, and an eight-month-old, who is recovering at a hospital, were the first two cases. A two-month-old was also found infected in Ahmedabad. One case was each reported in Chennai and Salem.

After the cases surfaced in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government issued an advisory urging its residents to avoid going to public places if they're symptomatic and to wear masks in crowded areas. Mumbai, however, has not yet reported any instances, and local authorities have reassured the public, asserting that the situation is under control and there is no cause for alarm.

However, the Indian stock market, which has its own rationale, witnessed a steep decline on Monday, as domestic benchmark indices plunged by more than 1.5 percent, or 1,258.12 points, amid growing concerns over HMPV and global uncertainties.

The BMC reiterated that no HMPV cases have been recorded in Mumbai so far, but authorities are not taking any chances. "We are closely monitoring the situation and have taken all necessary precautions to prepare the city in the event of an outbreak," a BMC official confirmed.

It urged citizens to comply with public health guidelines issued by the Directorate of Health Services in Pune, which had issued an advisory on January 3, 2025, following the spread of the virus in China.