HMPV in India: Two babies test positive for Human Metapneumovirus in Bengaluru
HMPV outbreak: The Karnataka Health Department confirmed the Human Metapneumovirus case, saying that the child's medical tests were positive, as stated in a report on Monday.
Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), said to be responsible for a spike in respiratory illnesses in China, were reportedly detected in Bengaluru on Monday.
News 18 reported that an eight-month-old child in Bengaluru tested positive for HMPV. India Today reported that two cases were detected at the Bengaluru hospital.
The cases were reported at Baptist Hospital in north Bengaluru, and the patients did not have any history of international travel. According to the reports, the eight-month-old child is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru and has no travel history.
The report added that the Karnataka Health Department confirmed the case, saying that the child's medical tests were positive.
The Union Health Ministry confirmed the reports on Monday.
"The reports have come from a private hospital, and we have no reason to doubt the tests of the private hospital. We don’t know what strain of virus this is yet because we don’t have data on the strain of the virus detected in China," sources told India Today.
About HMPV outbreak
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), similar to COVID-19, can cause respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The symptoms of the disease typically appear three to ten days after infection and include flu-like signs such as cough, blocked nose, runny nose, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. In some cases, pneumonia and bronchitis may also develop.
Andhra Pradesh's Public Health and Family Welfare Director, K Padmavathi, said the disease tends to be more severe in children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
Recent reports of an outbreak of HMPV in China have raised alarm globally. However, India's Ministry of Health said the situation in China is not unusual given the ongoing flu season.
“The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is Influenza virus, RSV and HMPV - the usual pathogens that are expected during the season,” it added.
The Indian government said it “is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels, and WHO has also been requested to share timely updates regarding the situation in China.”
Advisories, precautions
Meanwhile, several states, including Delhi, issued advisories to mitigate any spread of such virus.
Delhi health authorities issued an advisory on Sunday to ensure preparedness for potential health challenges related to HMPV and other respiratory viruses.
Strict isolation protocols and universal precautions for suspected cases have been made mandatory. Hospitals are required to maintain proper documentation of SARI cases and lab-confirmed influenza cases to ensure accurate monitoring. They have been directed to ensure the availability of paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrups for treating mild cases, as well as oxygen for severe cases.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George advised elderly and pregnant women to wear masks, adding there is no need to panic at the moment.
“Children should not be sent to school during illness. Those with respiratory symptoms should definitely use masks. There is currently no cause for concern. We are monitoring the situation in China,” she said.
On Saturday, the Telangana state government issued a list of do's and don'ts amid growing concerns over the HMPV outbreak in China. The state government added that there are no reported cases of HMPV in Telangana.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh's health officials advised washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and covering the nose and mouth with a handkerchief while coughing or sneezing, among other precautions. She further noted that there is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV and added that affected children and elderly individuals will be treated at government hospitals.
Besides, the Ministry of Health said the number of laboratories testing HMPV cases will be enhanced, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will monitor trends of HMPV for the entire year.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Business NewsNewsIndiaHMPV in India: Two babies test positive for Human Metapneumovirus in Bengaluru
First Published:6 Jan 2025, 10:03 AM IST
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