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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance, the Union health ministry reported on Monday. 

Both cases were identified in infants with a history of bronchopneumonia. However, the ministry underlined that neither of the patients has any history of international travel. This indicates that the two cases are not linked to the outbreak in China.

Another similar case has surfaced where a two-month-old boy has been detected with HMPV after he was admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad on December 24.

The Health Ministry officials had earlier said that the HMPV is not a novel virus so people do not need to panic. 

A three-month-old female infant admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, tested positive for HMPV and has since been discharged. An eight-month-old male infant, also admitted to the same hospital on January 3, was diagnosed with the virus and is currently recovering.

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“It is emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country,” the ministry stated.

To monitor the situation, the ICMR will continue tracking trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing regular updates, particularly in light of the situation in China, to inform ongoing measures.

“The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed,” the ministry assured in its statement.

Suspected HMPV Case In Gujarat

A two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad has been detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, an official said on Monday.

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel asked people not to panic and said the state government has made preparations to tackle the viral infection.

The infant, who hails from Dungarpur in Rajasthan, was admitted to the hospital, located in Chandkheda locality here, on December 24 with symptoms of respiratory infection.

After tests, he was found positive for the HMPV, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's in-charge medical officer of health Bhavin Solanki said.

ICMR has not confirmed this case as of yet.

"HMPV (infection) was detected in the patient on December 26, but we learnt about it today as the private hospital reported it to us late," Solanki said.

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The patient was kept in isolation, the official said.

Earlier, the child was kept on a ventilator, and his condition is stable now, Solanki said.

Delhi Health Authorities issue advisory

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In response to the growing concern over the HMPV outbreak, Delhi's health authorities issued an advisory on Sunday, ensuring preparedness for any potential health challenges posed by HMPV and other respiratory viruses. 

Dr Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services, convened a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state programme officer of IDSP to discuss the city's readiness.

Hospitals in Delhi have been instructed to report cases of ILI and SARI via the IHIP Portal and adhere to strict isolation protocols for suspected cases. The advisory also requires hospitals to stock essential medications such as paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrups to treat mild cases and ensure oxygen availability.

This proactive approach is part of ongoing efforts to prevent a potential surge in respiratory illnesses. According to the latest data as of January 2, 2025, from the IDSP, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and WHO, there has been no significant increase in respiratory illnesses in the country. India’s preparedness, as confirmed by recent drills, ensures that public health interventions can be promptly deployed if needed.

Karnatak Govt Issues Advisory

With two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) detected in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said he has directed the health and medical education departments to take all the precautionary measures.

"There is information on HMPV or China virus infection in Karnataka. I have instructed the health department to take precautionary measures, I have also spoken to Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. We -- Health and Medical Education departments -- will take all the precautionary measures to control it," Siddaramaiah said.

Briefing reporters here, he said the infections have been detected in two children. "Though it is not a dangerous virus, precautionary measures need to be taken."

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) in Karnataka has urged people not to panic as the virus is not as transmissible as Covid-19.

Advisory

The hospitals have been instructed to report influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases.

To prevent the escalation of the spread of the virus, people are advised to cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap, avoid public places if symptomatic and close contact with sick persons.

The advisory also urged people not to reuse tissue papers or handkerchiefs, share towels and linen and avoid spitting in public places.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that belongs to the pneumoviridae family, the same group that includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

KNOW MORE| What Is HMPV? How To Prevent Infection? What Are The Symptoms?

Healthy individuals infected with HMPV typically experience mild symptoms, but in some cases, the virus can lead to more severe health conditions. Mild symptoms of HMPV include a cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, fever, and shortness of breath.

In more severe cases, HMPV can lead to serious respiratory issues291bet, such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or worsening asthma problems. These conditions are more likely to affect individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions.