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.
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