Five cases were found nationwide on January 6, 2025, marking India’s first confirmed instances of the internationally recognized respiratory virus known as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Salem infants are included in this. In addition to confirming the diagnosis, the Union Health Ministry stressed that the afflicted families in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru had no recent travel history, ruling out exposure from other areas or nations.
The first cases were reported in Bengaluru, where an eight-month-old infant who is presently recuperating in a hospital and a three-month-old baby who has since been released were both diagnosed with HMPV. A two-month-old baby was also discovered to be sick in Ahmedabad. In Chennai and Salem, one case each was also reported. At this time, the Health Ministry did not offer any additional information regarding the incidents in Tamil Nadu. Although an outbreak in China has lately brought attention to the virus, these cases in India seem to be isolated and have no connection to exposure or travel abroad.
First discovered in 2001, HMPV is a respiratory virus that resembles other flu-like infections and frequently causes symptoms including fever, wheezing, and coughing. Although it can infect people of any age, the virus is more likely to infect elderly adults, people with weakened immune systems, and small children, especially those under five. Mild to severe symptoms are possible, and in certain cases—particularly in high-risk groups—they can result in more serious respiratory problems.
The Union Health Ministry has reassured the public that the issue is being actively watched through a number of surveillance channels in response to the appearance of HMPV cases. Throughout the year, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will keep an eye on HMPV circulation trends in order to evaluate any wider effects.
To guarantee readiness for any future health issues associated with HMPV, the state governments of Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have also released guidelines. These recommendations, which emphasize containment strategies and increased surveillance to stop further spread, are comparable to those put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the virus’s potential to impact vulnerable communities, health authorities are taking preemptive measures to ensure that the situation is closely monitored and handled, even though the number of cases is still low.
SOURCE :
NDTV
