Amidst the rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China, an eight-month-old baby in Bengaluru has been infected with the virus on Monday. This is the first case of HMPV reported in India.
While the sample report is said to be from a private lab, the Karnataka Health Department is yet to test it independently in one of their labs. According to officials, the infant and its family had no history of recent travel to China where the respiratory illness cases are rising.
“We are monitoring the case closely. We will have a meeting with the state health minister as well. The report is by a private lab,” said a senior official with the Karnataka Health Department . The official said there is no need to worry.“The virus is not new. It has been prevalent before. Those who get infected with this require mild treatment. The symptoms are a cold and cough,” he added.
Human metapneumovirus (HPMV) causes acute respiratory infections in children and adults. Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry on January 4 stated that these viruses are already in circulation globally, including India.
A robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza is already in place in India through both ICMR and IDSP networks, it added.
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 10 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.
Meanwhile, several states, including Delhi issued advisories to mitigate any spread of such virus. Delhi health authorities on Sunday issued an advisory to ensure preparedness for potential health challenges related to HMPV and other respiratory viruses.
 reported in India. Learn more about the virus and its impact on public health.){kind=link}