The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, which have been identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens.
As part of its ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory diseases across the country, ICMR detected these two cases. One case involves an eight-month-old male infant in Bengaluru, whose sample collected on January 2 was found positive for HMPV. According to BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) health department sources, the infant and his family had no recent travel history and did not have any worrying symptoms.
The second case involves a three-month-old baby girl with a history of bronchopneumonia, who tested positive for hMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. The Union Health Ministry said she has been discharged and is recovering.
(Also Read: What is HMPV and what are its symptoms? Details here)
HMPV mainly affects children and is thought to be present in about 0.7 percent of flu cases globally. However, Karnataka health officials have said they do not have detailed information on the specific strain in question.
Reacting to the development, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday said, “This is not the first case in India. This virus has been present for years, but it could be a new strain. More details to be ascertained.” is required.”
(Also read: India’s health body on HMPV report in China: ‘No reason to be worried’)
What is HMPV?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently received attention due to videos and reports circulating on social media that hospitals in China are overwhelmed by an increase in respiratory illnesses, including HMPV. The post also claims that outbreaks of multiple viruses, including HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19, have contributed to overcrowding in both hospitals and cemeteries.
hMPV, which was first identified by researchers in the Netherlands in 2001, is an important cause of acute respiratory infections, according to the American Lung Association. The virus spreads primarily by close contact with infected individuals, either through respiratory droplets exhaled by coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles or toys.
In the United States, HMPV typically spreads more frequently during the winter and spring months, which overlaps with other respiratory infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu.
Symptoms of HMPV
Symptoms of hMPV can vary in severity and usually include cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat. Some individuals may also experience wheezing and shortness of breath (dyspnea). In some cases, a rash may develop as part of the infection.
(With PTI inputs)
(Also read: After HMPV outbreak in China, Maharashtra steps up surveillance of respiratory disease cases)
