HMPV Virus : Cases Detected In Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru ; No Need To Panic Says Karnataka Minister ; Health Minister J P Nadda Reacts

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Two children have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus and are currently undergoing treatment, a health official said . These two are the first cases to be reported from the city from two hospitals.

According to PTI, A two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad has been detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, an official said .

The infant, who hails from Dungarpur in Rajasthan, was admitted to the hospital, located in Chandkheda locality here, on December 24 with symptoms of respiratory infection.

After tests, he was found positive for the HMPV, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s in-charge medical officer of health Bhavin Solanki said.

“HMPV (infection) was detected in the patient on December 26, but we learnt about it today as the private hospital reported it to us late,” Solanki said.

The patient was kept in isolation, the official said. Earlier, the child was kept on a ventilator, and his condition is stable now, Solanki said.

Reacting to the virus, Union Health Minister J P Nadda quoted by ANI said , “Health experts have clarified that #HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months. On recent reports, the cases of HMPV in China, the Health Ministry, the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control are keeping a close watch on the situation in China as well as in the neighbouring countries. WHO has taken cognisance of the situation and will share its report shortly with us. The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has also been reviewed and no surge in any of the common respiratory viral pathogens is observed in India. Joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of Director General for Health Services on 4th January to review the situation. The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation.”

Before this, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.

The Union health ministry emphasised that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with it have been reported in various countries.

Following the detection of two Human Metapneumovirus cases in the state, the Karnataka government urged people not to panic as the virus is not as transmissible as Covid-19.

Emphasising that the respiratory virus primarily affects children, causing infections similar to the common cold, the Directorate of Medical Education said in a release that hospitals have been instructed to report influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection cases.

To prevent escalation of the spread of the virus, people are advised to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap, avoid public places if symptomatic and close contact with sick persons.

The advisory also advised people not to reuse tissue papers or handkerchiefs, share towels and linen and avoid spitting in public places.

According to DME, HMPV causes flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.