India on Monday reported its first-ever cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a globally recognized respiratory virus, with five confirmed infections across Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. The cases, involving infants under one year of age, have sparked concern and prompted health officials to issue guidelines for monitoring and prevention.
First Cases in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Salem
In Bengaluru, two infants a three-month-old who has been discharged and an eight-month-old recovering in a hospital were among the first cases identified. Ahmedabad reported a two-month-old baby infected with HMPV, while Tamil Nadu recorded one case each in Chennai and Salem.
Authorities confirmed that the families of the infected infants in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad had no recent travel history, ruling out exposure from international or inter-regional sources. However, details regarding the cases in Tamil Nadu have not been disclosed yet.
Human Metapneumovirus, first identified in 2001, is a respiratory infection causing flu-like symptoms. It affects people of all ages but poses a higher risk to children under five, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Recently, HMPV gained global attention following an outbreak in China.
The Union Health Ministry assured citizens that the situation is under close watch. “Our surveillance systems are robust, and we are monitoring HMPV through all available channels,” a ministry statement said. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been tasked with tracking the virus’s circulation patterns and ensuring preparedness.
Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi have issued guidelines similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on hygiene, mask-wearing, and early reporting of symptoms.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda addressed public concerns, stating, “HMPV is not a new virus. It was identified in 2001 and is typically self-limiting. There’s no cause for alarm, but vigilance is key.”
Similarly, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar urged residents to adhere to issued guidelines, emphasizing, “The virus is manageable with prompt care. Our health systems are equipped to handle any developments.”
In Gujarat, the two-month-old from Ahmedabad, who had traveled from Rajasthan’s Dungarpur, is reportedly stable following treatment, according to Health Minister Rushikesh Patel. Tamil Nadu’s health department also confirmed its readiness to monitor Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
As India joins the list of countries reporting HMPV cases, the government is working to mitigate risks through enhanced surveillance and public awareness. While no major outbreak is anticipated, health experts urge parents of young children and other vulnerable groups to stay informed and follow precautionary measures.
The situation remains under control, but the sudden emergence of HMPV in India has highlighted the importance of ongoing vigilance against respiratory illnesses in a post-COVID world.
