HMPV in India: After Karnataka and Gujarat, two children have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Both the children are currently undergoing treatment.
In Chennai, both the cases are linked to common respiratory symptoms like fever, cold, and cough. The children are recovering under medical observation. Meanwhile, the state health department is taking proactive measures to prevent further spread.
The cases are reported from the city from two hospitals. One case was reported in a private hospital in the Chetpet area in Chennai another case was reported at a private pediatric hospital in Guindy. Reportedly, both children presented with similar symptoms, which initially appeared to be typical seasonal illnesses but were later identified as HMPV upon detailed medical evaluation.
The department also held a meeting to discuss the measures to be taken to screen for HMPV and the precautions to be put in place to contain its spread.
Kolkata also reported a case of HMPV in a five-month-old child who had traveled from Mumbai with their parents. The child was hospitalised and discharged after recovery, showing no severe complications, as per media reports.
Earlier today, Union health minister JP Nadda asserted that the government is closely monitoring the HMPV cases in India and China in a video statement. He said that there is no reason to be worried.
The Health Minister also said that the health systems and surveillance networks of the country are vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges.
“Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world for many years. HMPV spreads through the air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months,” he said.
The Union Health Minister also highlighted that the Health Ministry, the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are keeping a close watch on the situation in China as well as in the neighbouring countries.
“WHO has taken cognisance of the situation and will share its report shortly with us. The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has also been reviewed and no surge in any of the common respiratory viral pathogens is observed in India. A joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Director General for Health Services on January 4 to review the situation,” Nadda said.
“The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation,” he added.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that is already circulating globally, including in India. It has been associated with respiratory illnesses in various countries, although there has been no unusual surge in cases in India. Meanwhile, the ICMR also emphasised that despite the detection of three cases, there has been no significant increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.