New Delhi:
In the wake of two confirmed cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, India’s health authorities have ramped up their surveillance and preparedness measures to tackle any potential outbreak. The cases, involving a 3-month-old and an 8-month-old infant, were detected in Bengaluru, with neither of the families having any recent travel history.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has emphasized that HMPV is already in global circulation, including in India, and that cases of respiratory illnesses associated with this virus have been reported in various countries. Despite this, data from the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) indicate no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country as of now.
The Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and other health organizations, is closely monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. A Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) has been established to assess the situation and ensure preparedness.
In Bengaluru, the health department identified the two HMPV cases through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens. The 3-month-old infant has been discharged, while the 8-month-old is recovering under medical supervision. The Delhi government has also issued guidelines to ensure the health system’s preparedness, instructing hospitals to report ILI and SARI cases and maintain strict isolation protocols for suspected cases.
HMPV, discovered in 2001, is a member of the Pneumoviridae family and is closely related to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It causes symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, and can occasionally lead to pneumonia or chronic respiratory conditions. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe illness due to HMPV. Health authorities, including Kerala Health Minister Veena George, have advised the public to remain calm and follow general precautions against respiratory infections.
