The virus, which was first isolated in 2001, is just like any other respiratory virus that spreads through air, entering the body via nose, mouth, or eyes after one comes in close contact with an infected person.

The Delhi government on Sunday issued an advisory to ensure the health system's preparedness for a potential outbreak of Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) and other respiratory diseases, news agency PTI reported.

Strict isolation protocols and the use of universal precautions for suspected cases have been made mandatory. Sonali Sharma Updated : Jan 06, 2025, 07:39 AM IST Delhi health authorities on Sunday issued an advisory to ensure preparedness for potential health challenges related to the Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) and other respiratory viruses.

The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus and most of the Indian population are immune to it, said health experts on Monday, even as the number of reported cases climbed to three in the country.

Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has ordered the city's health and family welfare department to be completely prepared to handle a potential rise in respiratory illnesses, in the wake of three cases of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) detected in the country.

Speaking on the virus, Dr Neeraj Nischal, Additional Professor for Internal Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, said HMPV should not be compared with Covid-19. "Let's not compare HMPV with C

State governments issued guidelines to enhance preparedness and ensure proper surveillance and isolation protocols in hospitals amid concerns similar to COVID-19 symptoms.