As Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases rise globally, including in India, the country faces a pressing need to address the challenges posed by this respiratory virus

As the world stepped into a new year in 2025, China was observed to be facing yet another new health challenge-the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), giving rise to public health concerns globally. Closer to home, the central government advised state governments to remain alert and support preparation for handling HMPV-related emergencies following an increase in reported cases across India.

It has fanned the flames that HMPV could potentially escalate into another health crisis similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the Indian healthcare system faces a pressing question: What could be the potential challenges for Indian healthcare systems?

About HMPV

Despite its comparisons with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and sharing several similarities (as both affect the respiratory systems and cause COVID-19-like symptoms), HMPV comes from a different viral family and isn’t new. In fact, it was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating worldwide, including in India, ever since.

As most persons are likely to be infected with HMPV early in life, experts maintain that the virus does not pose an unusual threat. While reinfections are possible, partial immunity from broad past exposure can usually reduce the severity and potentially lessen the possibility of major epidemics. It is also necessary to note that the recent rise in HMPV cases in China fits seasonal patterns as well as higher awareness and testing. So far, health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have not highlighted any threats of a pandemic due to HMPV.

However, although often mild, HMPV infections can occasionally lead to serious complications, particularly among children and the elderly. Secondly, with India’s dense population, the spread of respiratory viruses needs to be a cause for concern nevertheless. Thus, its increasing incidence and the absence of specific antiviral treatments or vaccines necessitate immediate attention.

India’s Current Healthcare Infrastructure

Our healthcare infrastructure has made significant strides recently with improved public health programs and extending access to medical facilities. However, it still continues to grapple with some long-standing challenges, such as inequitable distribution of resources, inadequate healthcare personnel, and limited access to advanced diagnostic tools in areas beyond urban clusters.

To manage HMPV cases, early detection and symptomatic treatment are critical. While urban areas benefit from modern diagnostic labs and intensive care units, semi-urban and rural areas often lack such facilities. This disparity could hamper the timely identification and management of potential outbreaks, especially in regions with limited healthcare access.

Additionally, the lack of routine surveillance for HMPV poses another considerable challenge. Unlike influenza or COVID-19, HMPV is not yet a notifiable disease in India, which can lead to gaps in data collection and epidemiological understanding.

Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

The rapid establishment of diagnostic infrastructure, telemedicine platforms, and mass vaccination campaigns at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the Indian healthcare system’s capacity for resilience and adaptability during a public health crisis. These crucial lessons imparted by the pandemic can inform India’s approach to HMPV preparedness:

• Including HMPV in routine respiratory illness surveillance programs for valuable epidemiological insights and targeted interventions
• Public awareness campaigns to educate communities about precautionary hygiene practices, the importance of early medical consultation, and the risks associated with HMPV to reduce transmission and improve outcomes
• Training healthcare workers in the identification and management of HMPV cases, particularly in rural areas

While the rise of HMPV is not the same as the COVID-19 Delta wave, when people hoarded oxygen cylinders, it still presents a critical opportunity for India’s healthcare system to demonstrate its capacity for proactive and equitable public health management. Past lessons can serve as a roadmap for preparedness and robust response, emphasising resilience and inclusivity and safeguarding the health of India’s most vulnerable populations. 

Author: Prof. Sunil Rajpal, Faculty of Economics, FLAME University.