Two Infants Test Positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) at Bengaluru Hospital

ICMR confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Both cases involve an 8-month-old boy and a 3-month-old girl. They were discovered at Baptist Hospital during routine checks.

Bengaluru: An 8-month-old is suspected to have contracted Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The infant had no travel history and showed no concerning symptoms. #thebharatweekly #hmpvvirus #hmpv #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/zi7H3UjZGv

— The Bharat Weekly (@bharatweekly_) January 6, 2025

Monitoring and Preparedness of Health Authorities

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that ICMR monitors respiratory viral diseases and their detection methods. Officials say the issue is under control. They also claim there is no unusual rise in respiratory diseases in India. On January 4, the World Health Organization (WHO) met with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). They discussed global trends in respiratory diseases.

Symptoms of HMPV and Transmission

Usually presenting symptoms like the common cold, human metapneumovirus causes:

• Cough
• Fevers
• Congested nose
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (in severe cases)

The virus spreads through droplets from coughs or sneezes. It can also transfer by touching contaminated surfaces. Infants, seniors, and those with weak immune systems face a greater risk of severe outcomes.

Transmission happens through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. You can catch it by being close to infected people. You can also get it by touching surfaces that are contaminated. The virus is contagious, especially in crowded areas. Infants, older adults, and people with weak immune systems are at a greater risk for serious issues. These include bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

The Situation Right Now in India

The two newborns identified with HMPV in Bengaluru had not recently traveled. The female infant has been discharged; the male infant is still healing. Karnataka’s Health Commissioner, Harsha Gupta, reassured the public. He said there’s no need to panic because the HMPV finding is not unusual. Not one new strain or a notable increase in instances has been noted.

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Global Context and Preventive Actions

Other countries, like China, have linked rising respiratory diseases to HMPV. WHO reports say HMPV, RSV, and influenza are the main causes of seasonal infection spikes. The Indian government acted by boosting lab testing and enhancing surveillance efforts. This includes the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP). Advice to hospitals throughout India:

• Strengthen isolation procedures for suspected patients.
• Verify the availability of necessary drugs.
• Right away report cases of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI).

#HealthForAll

Update on #HMPV

.@ICMRDELHI Detects Two Cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance

Surveillance System Robust, No Unusual Surge in ILI or SARI cases in the countryhttps://t.co/uXIgltmOdE

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 6, 2025

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses… pic.twitter.com/PtKYmgztKb

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025

Advisory for the Public

Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, advises these respiratory hygiene guidelines:

• Avoiding direct contact with sick people.

• Regular hand cleansing.

• Wearing masks in confined spaces.

The government assures us that India can manage respiratory diseases. They closely monitor the situation with strong surveillance systems.