Following Bengaluru, a case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has also emerged in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. A 2-month-old child in Ahmedabad's Chandkheda area has been diagnosed with this infection. The newborn is receiving treatment at a private hospital in the city after the family traveled from Dungarpur, Rajasthan, to seek medical care. The child's condition is stable. In Bengaluru, Baptist hospital identified HMPV, known to cause respiratory issues, in an 8-month-old boy and a 3-month-old girl. Officials confirmed none of these patients or their families have a history of international travel.
The emergence of these cases aligns with reports of increased viral infections in China linked to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which affects the respiratory system. First discovered in 2001, HMPV primarily affects the elderly and children. The Bengaluru cases had a medical history of bronchopneumonia, a form of pneumonia. The 3-month-old has been discharged, while the 8-month-old was diagnosed on Sunday and is recovering. The Indian government reassures that there is no reason for alarm and that HMPV is neither new nor the subject of an unusual increase in respiratory illnesses across the nation.
Hospitals in Delhi on Alert
Delhi's health officials have issued an advisory directing hospitals to report cases of Influenza Like Illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness via the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) promptly. Patients with respiratory issues are now required to be isolated. Hospitals must document cases related to severe respiratory illnesses and ensure the availability of oxygen, paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrups.
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Symptoms of HMPV Infection
Bronchopneumonia, also known as bronchial pneumonia, involves inflammation of the bronchi and alveoli in the lungs. Symptoms in HMPV patients include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, sweating, chills, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and appetite loss. HMPV infection is most commonly seen in children under 11 years.
No Need to Panic: Health Ministry
The Central Health Ministry states that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is monitoring respiratory illnesses nationwide. Discussing HMPV cases in Gujarat and Karnataka, the ministry says current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program indicates no unusual rise in Influenza-Like Illness or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness cases. The detection of two HMPV cases in Bengaluru was facilitated by ICMR monitoring.
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No Serious Concerns About HMPV in Children
Karnataka Health Commissioner Harsh Gupta stated that finding HMPV in infants is not unusual, urging the public not to panic. He reassured that previous cases have been identified, and there is no need for concern or any new guidelines unless a new strain emerges. The babies diagnosed in Bengaluru had no travel history, implying no heightened threat.
Is HMPV Similar to COVID-19?
HMPV causes flu-like symptoms, mostly affecting the upper respiratory tract but can occasionally infect the lower respiratory tract. While HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for COVID-19) are different, they share similarities. Both target the respiratory system, leading to infections ranging from mild to severe, and are spread through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, impacting children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems similarly to COVID-19.
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How to Prevent HMPV Infection?
To prevent HMPV infection, health officials suggest washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching the face with unwashed hands and maintain distance from individuals exhibiting cold, respiratory, or fever symptoms. People with cold symptoms should wear a mask, cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and use sanitizer or wash hands.
Treatment or Vaccine for HMPV
No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV is currently available. Individuals showing HMPV symptoms are advised to self-isolate and receive general care.
Could HMPV Become a New Pandemic?
While some social media posts claim China is battling another pandemic, there has been no official statement from its health authorities about an impending emergency. With no specific treatment or vaccine available, awareness and caution are key to preventing the spread of HMPV.
Is India Prepared to Tackle HMPV?
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirms no HMPV cases have been reported in India. NCDC Director Dr. Atul Goyal mentioned that HMPV resembles a common cold virus, causing flu-like symptoms in children and the elderly. He urged the public to follow standard protocols such as avoiding contact with those showing cold, cough, and fever symptoms. He assured sufficient availability of medications for regular colds and fevers, emphasizing that there is no need for panic.
