New Delhi: After China, India is also reporting a concerning rise in HMPV cases. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday said that they have 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.
According to the Health Ministry, a three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged. An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, it said.
Amid speculation over the spread of HMPV (human metapneumovirus) in China, the Directorate General of Health Services has said that there is “nothing to be alarmed about”, Doordarshan reported.
Union Health Ministry has said that it 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 further inform ongoing measures.
The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed.
Maharashtra Issues Advisory
Maharashtra Health Department has issued an advisory to raise public awareness about the respiratory virus. The Union Health Ministry has also assured that it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular communication with the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Human Metapneumovirus is not new to India, but testing is rare due to its high cost, which ranges between ₹15,000 and Rs 20,000,” said Dr. Lancelot Pinto, a pulmonologist at PD Hinduja Hospital. He emphasized the importance of awareness and early detection to manage the infection effectively.
The advisory urges the public to follow preventive measures such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, frequent handwashing with soap, and avoiding crowded places if experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or breathing difficulties.
