Seven cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in children have been confirmed in India. Cases have been reported in Bengaluru, Nagpur, Tamil Nadu and Ahmedabad.
After cases of the HMPV virus were reported in Bengaluru and Gujarat, it has now entered Maharashtra as well. The HMPV test report of two children in Nagpur has come positive.
Two children were brought to a private hospital in Ramdaspeth in the city for treatment due to cough and fever. On January 3, a 7-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl tested positive in a private hospital in Nagpur. Both these children had coughs and fever.
Total of seven cases of HMPV in the country
According to the information received, now a total of seven cases of HMPV have been reported across the country. Before Maharashtra, two cases of HMPV were reported in Bengaluru, one in Ahmedabad and two in Chennai.
The health department team of the Maharashtra government is on alert mode regarding the virus. Patients with cough, fever, and a disease called SARI have been asked to take special care. The government has appealed to the people not to panic. The health department is going to issue guidelines regarding this virus soon.
Two people were infected in Tamil Nadu too.
Health Secretary Supriya Sahu in Tamil Nadu confirmed two active cases in Chennai and Salem. She assured people that the condition of both the children is stable, saying, that HMPV infection resolves on its own and is cured with symptomatic care including adequate hydration and rest.
No need to panic - JP Nadda
According to a TOI report, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has assured people that the situation is under control and there is no risk of an outbreak like COVID-19.
Nadda said HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and has been spreading around the world for many years.
The Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in China and neighboring countries. Nadda said, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken cognizance of the situation and will soon share its report with us.
No connection with the outbreak in China - Karnataka Health Minister
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that the virus has no connection with the outbreak in China.
A Karnataka health official stressed the potential seriousness of HMPV, especially in children under five years of age, the elderly, and people with weakened immunity.
At the same time, an official said, about 10% of adult patients admitted with pneumonia test positive for HMPV, and 4-6% of viral diseases in children are caused by this virus. ICMR is constantly monitoring.
ICMR Disease Elimination Chairperson Dr. Rajni Kant said, that in a study conducted in 2022 at BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, HMPV was found in 4% of the enrolled pediatric patients.
Kant said, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Gorakhpur tested respiratory pathogens in 100 patients below the age of five years at BRD Medical College in 2022. Four (4%) of the 100 enrolled pediatric patients were found to be HMPV positive.
HMPV was first introduced in the Netherlands
It was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause mild illnesses to more severe conditions like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It spreads through respiratory droplets and is more prevalent during winter and early spring.
About 10% of pneumonia cases in adults and 4-6% of viral illnesses in children are caused by HMPV, a Karnataka health official said.
He said vulnerable populations like children below the age of five, the elderly, and immune-suppressed individuals are at greater risk.
The prevalence of the virus in India varies by region, ranging from 1% to 19%. Despite global recognition, health experts have reiterated that HMPV rarely requires hospitalization and can be managed with timely intervention.
'Did I teach you Hindi?' Nishikant Dubey took a dig at Raj Thackeray's statement of 'killing you by drowning'
Politics over language is at its peak in Maharashtra. The war of words between MNS chief Raj Thackeray and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is continuing. In response to the BJP MP's 'Patak-Patak Kar Maarenge',
National Herald Case: Congress's 'Congress Satya BJP Jhoot' campaign starts today, 57 leaders will visit 57 cities
The Congress party will hold press conferences in 57 cities across the country between April 21 and 24. Congress media and publicity department chief Pawan Khera said on Sunday that the purpose behind
Mauni Amavasya: Today after 50 years there is a special and rare yoga, a flood of faith gathered for bathing at Har ki Pauri, pictures
Today is the holy bath of Mauni Amavasya. This time this Amavasya has fallen in Triveni Yog. After 50 years, along with Triveni, the bath of Mauni Amavasya is taking place in four other auspicious
Sawan 2025: On the first day of Sawan, devotees gathered at Vishwanath Dham, flowers were showered on the devotees; Har-Har Mahadev resonated
On the first day of Sawan, on Friday, there was a rush of devotees in Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Baba's darshan started with Mangala Aarti and the entire Dham echoed with the chants of Har-Har
71st National Film Awards: 71st National Film Awards to be presented today; President Murmu to honour
The winners of the National Film Awards for the year 2023 were announced on August 1st. The winners will be honored today. President Draupadi Murmu will present the awards. The National Film Awards
IND vs PAK: Haris Rauf hasn't improved despite being punished once; now the ICC will take action again!
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has once again found himself embroiled in controversy. After catching Indian batsman Abhishek Sharma in the Asia Cup 2025 final, Rauf celebrated like a plane crash, a
Sanam Teri Kasam Re-Release: 'Sanam Teri Kasam' will rock the box office on the very first day, tickets worth so many crores sold.
The 2016 classic cult movie Sanam Teri Kasam has been released in theatres again. Surprisingly, the movie which flopped at the box office years ago is now seen making a splash in its re-release. Sanam
'There should be no discrimination in the name of caste and religion... such a society needs to be created', Nitin Gadkari said- should be judged based on talent
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari made an important statement on Thursday. He said that there is a need to build a society where no one has to face discrimination on the basis of gender, caste or
Delhi Election 2025: 'BJP insulted Punjabis and Sikh community', Kejriwal said- Amit Shah should apologize
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Aam Aadmi Party Convenor Arvind Kejriwal attacked the BJP in a press conference at the party headquarters on Wednesday. Kejriwal reacted to BJP leader Pravesh Verma's
The Bengal Files: Vivek Agnihotri's film 'The Delhi Files' title changed, now it will be called 'The Bengal Files'
Bollywood film industry's veteran director and producer Vivek Agnihotri is currently in the news for his upcoming film 'The Delhi Files'. However, now this film will be released with a new title.
