New Delhi:
In a swift escalation, India has confirmed five cases of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that has been under global scrutiny following a recent outbreak in China. The cases, all involving infants, have been identified in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with health authorities emphasizing that the virus is already in global circulation and does not warrant panic.
On Monday, the first two cases were reported in Bengaluru, Karnataka. A three-month-old infant, who was admitted to Baptist Hospital with bronchopneumonia, has been discharged, while an eight-month-old infant, also diagnosed with HMPV on January 3, is currently recovering. Neither of these infants had any recent travel history, indicating local transmission of the virus.
A third case was confirmed in a two-month-old infant in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. According to Dr. Nirav Patel of the Orange Children Hospital, the infant was admitted on December 24 with symptoms of a cold, cough, and breathing difficulty but is now ready for discharge.
Tamil Nadu has also reported two cases, one in Chennai and the other in Salem, bringing the national tally to five. So far, no deaths due to HMPV have been reported in India.
Health experts have reassured the public that HMPV is not a new virus, having been first identified in 2001. Union Health Minister JP Nadda stated, “HMPV spreads through the air and can affect people of all age groups, particularly during the winter and early spring months.” He emphasized that there is no reason to worry and that the government is closely monitoring the situation.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist of the World Health Organisation, echoed this sentiment, saying, “HMPV is a known virus that causes mostly mild respiratory infections.” She advised people to take normal precautions such as wearing masks, washing hands, avoiding crowds, and consulting a doctor if severe symptoms arise.
The HMPV outbreak in China has raised global health concerns, with countries closely monitoring the situation. However, Beijing has described it as an annual winter occurrence, noting that respiratory infections tend to peak during this season.
Symptoms associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory diseases, especially among young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
