NEW DELHI: India has reported five cases of globally circulating Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is seeing an outbreak in China, causing worldwide panic as it comes five years after COVID-19, with five children testing positive for the virus in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Chennai respectively.
As the frenzy intensified, Union Health Minister J P Nadda assured the public that there is no need to worry and the government is closely monitoring the situation.
In a video message, Nadda said it is not a new virus and was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating in the entire world since many years.
“The health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant ensuring that the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenge. There is no reason to worry,” Nadda said.
State governments of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi came out with guidelines – similar to those issued during the pandemic.
The Union Health Ministry also came out with a statement that the virus is already in circulation globally, including in India, and the government is “well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses.”
While two infants were detected with HMPV in Bengaluru, with no international travel history, one case was reported in Gujarat on Monday. Later in the day, two children tested positive for HMPV in Chennai.
“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 across the country,” the statement said.
It added that based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) cases in the country.
The first case was reported in a three-month-old girl, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has since been discharged.
The second case was of an eight-month-old boy who tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is now recovering, officials said.
“It is important to note that neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel,” the ministry added.
Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel confirmed that a two-month-old boy was detected with the virus in Ahmedabad, and his condition is stable. In Chennai, two children tested positive for the virus.
HMPV, a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza, is seeing an outbreak in China. Photos and videos of overcrowded hospitals with people wearing masks have surfaced on social media.
The surge in infections of a respiratory virus has come as a reminder of COVID-19, which was detected in Wuhan, China, five years ago and which soon turned into a global pandemic, killing millions and crumbling economies.
Most cases are mild, but young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for serious illness. HMPV is common and is most common among people before they turn five.
The health ministry emphasised that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries, including Japan and Malaysia.
“Union Health Ministry is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to inform ongoing measures further,” it added.
HMPV often causes upper respiratory infections but can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and asthma flare-ups or worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HMPV infections are more common in the winter and early spring.
Researchers estimate that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. Most cases are mild, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia.
HMPV spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus. The common symptoms are cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, and rash.
