ICMR Detects Three Cases of Human Metapneumovirus, two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat, No Travel History Reported
Karnataka and Gujarat, India has seen the detection of two cases and one case respectively of Human Metapneumovirus without any travel history. The infected children from Bengaluru are stable. The officials claim there is no reason for panic but they are monitoring the situation closely.
Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka and one case in Gujarat and all the cases are of children. The two children affected from karnataka, a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy, were diagnosed with the virus after admission to Bengaluru's Baptist Hospital.
The children both had a history of bronchopneumonia, which is a form of pneumonia that involves the lungs and bronchi. The virus was detected through routine surveillance as part of ICMR's continued efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses in India.
It is worth noting that neither child had a history of international travel, meaning that the virus must be circulating locally. The baby girl has already been discharged from the hospital, but the baby boy is recovering.
HMPV, which results in symptoms similar to a cold that include cough and/or fever with or without shortness of breath, is currently circulating worldwide, including in India. It has also been reported from the other countries like China. But the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare clarified that there has been no unexpected spurt of ILI or SARI in India.
The Union Health Ministry is monitoring the situation closely through all surveillance channels available. ICMR is planning to continue the tracking of trends for HMPV throughout the year. Authorities clarified that India was adequately prepared in case of any possible surge of respiratory diseases, with public health interventions at hand in case needed.
Also read: Human Metapneumovirus: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Explained
DGHS Director General Atul Goel said public advice should include precautions against respiratory infection, using a separate handkerchief to cover the mouth for coughing and sneezing, and keeping away from close contact with other people during an illness.
This is without the need to create a panic; it will, however, continue to be observed by the authorities.