New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Both cases were reported from Karnataka. As per the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a three-month-old female infant has been discharged, while an eight-month-old baby is undergoing treatment in Bengaluru. These are the first two cases of the virus reported in India.
"It is emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. Furthermore, 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 ministry said in a press release.
The 3-month-old female infant was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the eight-month-old male infant was tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to the same hospital. Both babies have a history of bronchopneumonia. The three-year-old infant has been discharged, while the eight-month-old baby is undergoing treatment and is recovering.
As per the health ministry, neither of the affected patients has any history of international travel. "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 further inform ongoing measures," the ministry said.
China is witnessing a surge in the HMPV virus triggering panic among the citizens. Several videos have emerged on social media claiming that hospitals are full of patients suffering from various virus, including influenza, COVID-19, HMPV and Mycoplasma pneumonia.
China is downplaying concerns over the increase in HMPV cases. Beijing called it "annual seasonal reoccurrence".
