HMPV Virus in India: Two Bengaluru Infants Test Positive, Confirms ICMR

Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been found in Karnataka, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Both cases were detected at Bengaluru’s Baptist Hospital.

The Union Health Ministry has stated that India is fully prepared to manage respiratory diseases. Officials say the country’s monitoring system shows no unusual rise in such cases at the moment.

The patients are infants: a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy. These cases were identified through routine health checks conducted by the ICMR to track respiratory illnesses in India.

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Steps Taken by the Health Ministry
On Saturday, a joint monitoring group met to discuss reports of increasing respiratory illnesses in China over the past few weeks. The Health Ministry said it is closely watching the situation and has asked the World Health Organization (WHO) for timely updates.

A senior health ministry official said, “We are keeping a close eye on developments and will share updates as needed.”

According to a press release summarizing the meeting, the rise in cases in China is linked to the flu season and common viruses like influenza, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and HMPV.

What Is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold. It mostly affects young children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems. Most cases are mild, and many people are exposed to HMPV before the age of five.

How Does It Spread?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says HMPV spreads through:

Close contact with infected people
Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus
Though HMPV was discovered in 2001, it is now known to cause both mild and severe respiratory illnesses, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms and Precautions
Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), said HMPV is similar to other common respiratory viruses. It can cause flu-like symptoms, especially in young children and older adults.

To prevent the spread of HMPV, Dr. Goel advised people to:

Avoid close contact with others if they have a cough or cold
Follow basic hygiene and respiratory etiquette
Use over-the-counter medicines for mild cold and fever symptoms
He also emphasized the importance of not panicking, as the symptoms are usually mild and manageable.

Current Situation in India
The Health Ministry has assured the public that the situation is under control and there is no cause for alarm. India’s robust surveillance system is actively monitoring cases, and no unusual trends have been reported so far.

As health officials continue to track the situation, they urge the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

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