ICMR Identifies Two Instances of HMPV in Karnataka Without Travel History: Government
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New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, both of which have no prior travel history, as stated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday.
The HMPV infections were discovered through routine surveillance in a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy in Bengaluru.
The infections were diagnosed after the children were admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. Both children had a history of bronchopneumonia, a type of pneumonia affecting both the alveoli in the lungs and the bronchi.
"Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for various respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR's continuous efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses nationwide," the health ministry's statement indicated.
The ministry also pointed out that while the baby girl "has been discharged," the baby boy "is currently on the road to recovery."
"It is crucial to emphasize that neither of the affected individuals has any international travel history," the Ministry highlighted.
HMPV is already circulating globally, including in India, and instances of respiratory illnesses linked to HMPV have been reported in several countries, notably China.
"The Union Health Ministry is observing the situation through all available surveillance channels," it noted, adding that, "there has not been any unusual increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the nation."
The Ministry affirmed that "ICMR will persist in tracking trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year."
In the meantime, it reiterated that "India is well-prepared to manage any potential rise in respiratory illnesses, and public health measures can be implemented swiftly if necessary."
HMPV was first identified in 2001 and belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, along with the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Common symptoms associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
Previously, Dr. Atul Goel, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), mentioned that the illness can cause "flu-like symptoms" in both the elderly and very young children.
"There is no reason for concern regarding the current situation," he added.
Goel also recommended standard precautions against respiratory infections.
"If someone is experiencing a cough or cold, it is advisable to minimize contact with large groups of people to prevent spreading the infection," he advised.
"Utilize a separate handkerchief or towel for coughing and sneezing, and take standard medications as needed for cold or fever; otherwise, there is no cause for alarm about the current situation," Goel remarked.
