HMPV In India: India records her third case of HMPV in Gujarat in a 2-month-old baby. Earlier on Monday, the Health Ministry issued a press release confirming the first cases of HMPV in India.
India reported her first cases of HMPV virus in a 3 month old baby who has been discharged and an 8 month old who is currently recovering at a hospital in Karnataka’s capital.
Kolkata Medic’s Response
Kolkata based Peerless Hospital CEO Sudipta Mitra said, “Till date from November, three cases of HMPV virus were detected. It is not an uncommon phenomena. Every winter such cases come. All cases were in mild form. We are not taking any precautionary measures about it.”
Also Read: HMPV Outbreak In India: HMPV Symptoms And Prevention Tips
“… Let’s not compare this (HMPV) with Covid-19 because that was a completely new virus and none of us had immunity against it… HMPV has been described since 2001, and even based on evidence, it dates back to the late 1950s… By the age of 10, the majority of the children develop immunity against this.” said Dr Neeraj Nischal, Additional Professor for Internal Medicine in AIIMS Delhi, on HMPV in India.
HMPV In India
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that typically triggers mild cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to complications, particularly in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In some cases, it may cause pneumonia or exacerbate existing chronic respiratory conditions.
To enhance preparedness for HMPV in India, the Centre has expanded lab capacity for HMPV testing. The ICMR will track HMPV trends year-round, alongside other respiratory illnesses like influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).
