HMPV not new virus & diagnosed ones have no history of travel: Minister

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Two infants a three-month-old female and an eight-month-old male were diagnosed with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) at a Bengaluru hospital, the Union Health Ministry announced. The cases were identified through the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens, a part of its ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across India. HMPV is a respiratory virus that primarily affects children, causing symptoms similar to the common cold, such as fever, cough, and congestion. Although the virus is not new and has been circulating globally, these cases highlight the need for vigilance, especially in pediatric care.

Responding to the situation, Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reassured the public, stating, “HMPV is not a new virus, and there is no need to panic. Both cases involve local children with no history of travel and one of the patients has been discharged as well. We are closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary precautions.” He emphasised that while HMPV is mild, the government is prepared to act swiftly if required. He added that the media has been misreporting this as the first case, whereas the virus has been present in the country for some time. He clarified that while there might be concerns about a new variant emerging in China, the Union Government is yet to confirm or provide information regarding this.

He emphasised that HMPV is not a virus that originated in China or Malaysia and is not spreading to India from these regions. Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil echoed similar sentiments, stating that one infant has already been discharged, and the other is recovering well. “People need not worry. Testing for HMPV is not necessary for the general population at this stage.

Symptomatic treatment and preventive measures like wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and avoiding crowded places are sufficient.” There is no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV; care focuses on symptom relief through rest, hydration, and medications for fever and congestion. Preventive measures include frequent handwashing, mask-wearing in crowded areas, and avoiding contact with sick individuals.