New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) Two minors in Nagpur, Maharashtra, have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), increasing the total confirmed cases in the country to 7 as of Tuesday.

The cases involve a seven-year-old and a 13-year-old.

Initially, there were suspicions of H1N1 (swine flu), but subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests confirmed the presence of HMPV.

Both children have successfully recovered through outpatient treatment, as reported by the Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences in Nagpur.

The other confirmed cases include Karnataka (2), Gujarat (1), and Tamil Nadu (2).

In response, the Union Health Secretary, Apurva Chandra, conducted a review of the current state of respiratory illnesses across the nation and assessed the effectiveness of public health measures.

The government has stated that there is “no surge” in respiratory illnesses nationwide, and emphasized the importance of robust surveillance to identify such cases.

States have been instructed to enhance public awareness regarding preventive measures.

Additionally, states are advised to reinforce and evaluate their surveillance systems for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).

Previously, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda assured that India’s surveillance network is on high alert, ready to address any emerging health threats.

“There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation,” he remarked.

According to former ICMR scientist Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, HMPV is not fatal, and there are currently no indications of high mortality or severe transmission rates.

“HMPV is definitely not deadly. Most infections are mild, primarily affecting children under five and individuals over 65. Symptoms resemble a common cold for about 4 to 5 days,” Gangakhedkar explained to IANS.

“While the virus could lead to pneumonitis-like conditions, the mortality rates remain largely unrecorded. HMPV has a global prevalence of approximately 4 percent,” he added.