The HMPV virus, which recently spread in China, is now increasing anxieties in India too. Cases have been detected in Gujarat and Karnataka. It was reported that an HMPV case occurred in Kolkata in November, involving a six-month-old child who was later discharged from the hospital after recovery. However, the new cases are concerning, with two HMPV cases detected in three-month-old and eight-month-old children in Bengaluru.
The Indian government has already clarified that HMPV has previously been present in India, with past cases recorded; thus, identifying it now is not a new 'discovery' in the country.
'No Directive Needed for Hospitals or Airports'
Karnataka's Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated, 'This is not the first case in India. It resembles influenza-like illnesses (ILI). Currently, no special directives for hospitals or airports are needed as there has been no significant increase in cases warranting such measures. There’s no situation justifying the establishment of isolation wards since ILIs are already being addressed.'
Enhanced Monitoring at DPS Branches
Mansoor Ali Khan, board member of Delhi Public School's Bengaluru and Mysuru branches, announced heightened surveillance measures following the emergence of HMPV cases. He highlighted, 'With a higher likelihood of respiratory illness in children, we're issuing circulars advising parents to refrain from sending children to school even with mild symptoms like coughs or colds. We aim to prevent panic and will provide a detailed SOP.'
Khan assured that students need not worry about exams. Provisions will be made for them to take exams later if they fall ill. Teachers will be tasked with closely monitoring students' health, and any sick student will be sent home.
'Prepare for Potential Case Surge'
After two HMPV cases surfaced in Karnataka, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj directed the Health & Family Welfare Department for total preparedness. He echoed that hospitals should be equipped to counter a possible rise in respiratory illnesses as directed by the central health ministry.
He insisted, 'There's no need to delay actions. Contact me immediately for directives if required. The Health Secretary will inspect three hospitals daily and report to the ministry, focusing on EDL list, drug and ICU bed availability, equipment, and PSA plant status alongside availability of data entry operators.'
A Case Detected in Gujarat
Apart from Karnataka, HMPV has also been reported in Gujarat. A case involving a two-month-old baby was identified in the Chandkheda area in Ahmedabad, currently receiving treatment in a private hospital. The family traveled from Dungarpur to Ahmedabad for care, and the child's condition is reportedly stable.
State Health Minister Rishikesh Patel confirmed the first HMPV case in Gujarat. The state government will issue advisories concerning this case. For now, no advisories have been issued, and there is no cause for panic.
'Advisory to be Released Soon'
He explained that infections generally resemble cold symptoms and may lead to breathing difficulties at the last stage. The state is prepared for the virus, and while conditions are not as dire as during COVID, the government is ready for extreme scenarios. Gujarat has sufficient hospitals and beds available to handle the virus.
The Health Minister noted a similar concern from the central government and urged adherence to SOPs. The advisory regarding the virus will be released today; hence there's no need for public anxiety.
Maharashtra CM Urges Calm
Maharashtra, sharing borders with the affected states of Gujarat and Karnataka, is also on high alert. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday assured citizens they have no reason to panic concerning HMPV cases detected in some states. A comprehensive advisory will soon be released.
The Directorate of Health Services, Pune, issued guidelines on January 3, 2025, outlining dos and don'ts. The public health department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation stated that no HMPV cases were found in Mumbai and suburbs, but urged citizens to follow guidelines.
A Kolkata Case Detected Last Year
In November last year, a six-month-old child was diagnosed with HMPV at Peerless Hospital in Kolkata, successfully treated. The child, transferred from Mumbai, suffered fevers, coughs, and breathing issues. Under Dr. Saheli Dasgupta’s care in the PICU, viral PCR tests confirmed HMPV. The child received respiratory assistance for 7-8 days and was discharged in stable condition after two weeks.
