HMPV in India: Three cases detected; surveillance intensified

In Kerala, the health minister advised the elderly and pregnant women to wear masks

By ANI

Published: Mon 6 Jan 2025, 11:02 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Jan 2025, 8:34 PM

An infant from Rajasthan has tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, officials said on Monday, taking the total number of HMPV cases detected in India so far to three.

Earlier in the day, two infants had tested positive for HMPV infection in Karnataka's Bengaluru, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed. The cases were identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens.

The ICMR emphasised that despite the detection of these two cases, there has been no significant increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.

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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.

One of the affected individuals is a 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She had a history of bronchopneumonia and was discharged after receiving treatment.

The second case involves an 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, following his admission to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, also with a history of bronchopneumonia.

This infant is currently recovering and is in stable condition. Neither of the infants had any history of international travel, suggesting that the cases are local and not connected to outbreaks outside the country.

The third case involves an infant from Rajasthan's Dungarpur has been shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. "This (HMPV) has been detected in a 2-month-old child who came from Rajasthan's Dungarpur to Sarwar. The child has been referred from Sarwar to Ahmedabad. We are following the dos and don'ts that were used during COVID, and SOPs will be issued by the state government," Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said in a statement.

"There is no need to panic; no advisory has been issued by the central government yet, but it has been advised to stay alert. The state government is taking all necessary precautions," Patel added.

The Union Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation through all available surveillance channels. Additionally, the ICMR will keep track of HMPV circulation trends throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been providing regular updates on the situation in China to inform public health measures.

Meanwhile, following the recent reports of an outbreak of HMPV in China, Kerala Health Minister Veena George advised the elderly and pregnant women to wear masks, adding there is no need to panic as of now.

"We should all pay attention to some things in the context of the news that there is a major outbreak of viral fever and pneumonia in China. There are no reports of any viruses that are likely to become a pandemic or spread very quickly to other areas in China at this time," George said.

She said that since Malayalis are in all parts of the world, and expatriates from many parts of the world, including China, are coming to our country, we should be "cautious."

"According to the available information, three types of viruses can be the cause of the frightening respiratory infections in China. They are Human Metanpneumovirus (HMPV), some variants of Covid 19, and Influenza A virus infections. There are no reports of any of these having genetic mutations that could lead to a pandemic. However, as mentioned earlier, we should be cautious," she added.

The Health Minister said that infections, including human metapneumonia virus, are more likely to affect children and the elderly, so they, as well as those with other serious illnesses and people receiving palliative care, should be more cautious.

"Children should not be sent to school during illness. Those with respiratory symptoms should definitely use masks. There is currently no cause for concern. We are monitoring the situation in China," she said.

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