India has identified its first suspected Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) case in an eight month infant in Bangalore since the outbreak of the virus in China.
Sources from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)reported that the case has been detected through a private laboratory, while the infant and the family have no travel history.
“The case has come from Hunasanahalli in Bengaluru Rural district. The child has been admitted to the Bengaluru Baptist Hospital,” the source said.
Meanwhile, as reported by the Business Standard, Medical experts say that the virus has been in India for years and impacts the population between six to twelve months of age. However, it can also be present in children up to the age of fourteen.
Director General Health Services (DGHS) Atul Goel on Friday said that HMPV is in similarity with other respiratory viruses and causes flu -like symptoms in the very young age group of children.
“There was no significant increase in respiratory illness cases reported at our centres in December 2024,” he had said.
The Delhi government, on Sunday, released an advisory to enhance the health system’s readiness for a possible outbreak of Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) and other respiratory illnesses, according to PTI.
Dr Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services, conducted a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state programme officers of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) to discuss disease readiness.
Hospitals in Delhi have been directed to report cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) via the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP). They are also required to keep detailed records of SARI and lab-confirmed influenza cases for effective monitoring.
Symptoms of HMPV
The Symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of cold:
- Cough.
- Fever.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Sore throat.
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Rash
Researchers estimate that 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are attributed to HMPV. While most cases are mild, around 5% to 16% of affected children may develop more serious lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia.
