During an increase in respiratory diseases in China, India reported seven cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections among children; the cases are reported in Bengaluru, Nagpur, Tamil Nadu, and Ahmedabad. The news came as Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda assured people there is no threat of a Covid-like outbreak due to HMPV.

What is HMPV?

“HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating globally for many years,” Nadda stated. Experts said that while HMPV can cause respiratory symptoms, it rarely leads to hospitalizations and is generally manageable with timely care.

How is the government responding?

The health ministry, along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control, is keeping a close eye on the situation in China and neighboring countries. Nadda said that the World Health Organization (WHO) is also monitoring the situation and will soon provide a report.

Where were the cases found in India?

Bengaluru: 

At Bangalore Baptist Hospital, a three-month-old girl admitted with a fever and cold in December, tested positive for HMPV. She has since recovered. Another case involved an eight-month-old boy with both HMPV and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). He is also recovering.

Ahmedabad: 

A two-month-old from Rajasthan, admitted on December 24 to a private hospital in the city, has tested positive for HMPV. The case was reported late, but the child was isolated, and the condition managed.

Nagpur: 

Two children, seven years and 13 years, admitted with suspected H1N1, were later found to be positive for HMPV. They recovered in outpatient care. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation retested their samples at AIIMS Nagpur for confirmation.

Tamil Nadu: 

Health Secretary Supriya Sahu confirmed two active cases in Chennai and Salem, with both patients in stable condition. "HMPV infections are self-limiting and typically resolve with rest and hydration," she said.

Symptoms and risks of HMPV

HMPV causes a variety of symptoms that range from mere colds to severe diseases such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The spread is usually via respiratory droplets, and this is a disease more prevalent in winter and early spring. Some people are at higher risk, like children below the age of five, elderly persons, and individuals with weak immunity.

Nadda assured that the health systems and surveillance networks in India are ready to respond to any health challenge."There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation," he said.

Dr. Rajni Kant of ICMR confirmed that HMPV is a known cause of respiratory illnesses in children. It accounts for a small percentage of viral illnesses in children and adults with pneumonia, according to studies.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao further emphasized that current cases likely derive from a local strain and not the China one. “There’s no need to press the panic button,” he stated, highlighting the importance of accurate information.

According to the ICMR and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, the recent data did not show any unexplained rise in influenza-like or severe respiratory diseases in India. The latest most severe case is that of a five-month-old boy in Kolkata, who is reported to be recovering well following intensive care.