"Health experts clarified HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001." BJP president and Union Health Minister Nadda

"There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation," Union Health Minister J P Nadda. 

Union Health Minister and BJP chief J P Nadda says, "Health experts have clarified that #HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years.

"The HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months. 

On recent reports, the cases of HMPV in China, the Health Ministry, the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control are keeping a close watch on the situation in China as well as in the neighbouring countries. 

The WHO has taken cognizance of the situation and will share its report shortly with us. 

The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has also been reviewed and no surge in any of the common respiratory viral pathogens is observed in India. 

Joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of Director General for Health Services on 4th January to review the situation. 

The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. 

Bloodbath In Indian Markets Amid Fears Of HMPV Virus, Sensex, Nifty Down By Over 1.5%

The Nifty 50 at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday ended at 23,616.05, down over 388 points, and the BSE Sensex at 77,964.99, declining over 1,258 points.

The indices of all the sectors at NSE remained heavily in the red territory, with PSU Banks trailing about 4 per cent. On BSE, midcap and smallcap indices were down 2-3 per cent.

Experts believe fears and concerns over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in India, with two reported cases in Karnataka, have led to market jitters.

"Monday blues hit the Indian markets due to some continuing issues and fragile sentiment due to the emergence of HMPV cases in India. 

The continuing issues are the slowing Indian economy, the muted corporate earnings growth, the FPI selling in the secondary markets, and the global pressure due to the strong US dollar and high US yields," stated Ajay Bagga, market and banking expert.

"The markets are seeing a dip due to the virus scare. The health advisories put out by various state governments have spooked investors. Retail investors who are new to markets are wary of the market," said Shriram Subramanian, founder and MD, InGovern Research Services.

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