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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed the first two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India, both detected at Bengaluru Baptist Hospital in Karnataka. This discovery, part of ICMR's ongoing respiratory illness surveillance, involved a 3-month-old female infant and an 8-month-old male infant, both initially admitted with bronchopneumonia. Both infants have since recovered and been discharged. Importantly, neither child had any recent international travel history, suggesting the virus is already circulating within the country. The diagnosis was confirmed using Multiplex PCR testing, a method capable of detecting significant concentrations of microbial RNA/DNA. This finding underscores the ongoing need for vigilant monitoring of respiratory illnesses and proactive public health measures.
The ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have stressed that HMPV is not a new virus, already circulating globally, and that no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases has been reported. Despite this reassurance, the confirmation of HMPV cases has prompted a proactive response from various levels of government. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) health commissioner, Suralkar Vikas Kishore, highlighted the hospital’s initial identification of the cases and the subsequent confirmation through testing. Further monitoring is planned to assess the viral load and potential spread. A senior official from the Health and Family Welfare Department also emphasized that detailed investigations are underway to gauge the virus's impact and that enhanced testing and control measures will be implemented if necessary.
The Union Health Ministry, working in tandem with the ICMR, is continuously monitoring HMPV trends nationally. Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) is providing updates on the global situation, including the ongoing situation in China. The confirmed cases have spurred several state governments to issue health advisories aimed at preventing the spread of HMPV and other respiratory illnesses. The Maharashtra health department, for example, has urged citizens to practice good hygiene, such as covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and avoiding public spaces if experiencing symptoms. Similarly, Delhi's health officials have issued guidelines emphasizing the reporting of ILI and SARI cases through the IHIP portal, isolating suspected cases, and maintaining proper documentation. Hospitals are instructed to stockpile essential medications, such as paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, cough syrups, and oxygen supplies, to manage mild cases effectively.
HMPV, a respiratory virus causing symptoms similar to the common cold, primarily affects young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, particularly during winter months. Severe outcomes are more likely in immunocompromised individuals. The relatively mild nature of the Bengaluru cases and the lack of a significant surge in related illnesses offer some reassurance. However, the proactive measures undertaken by various health authorities, including increased surveillance, testing capabilities, and public health advisories, demonstrate a commitment to preventing a larger outbreak. The ongoing monitoring by national and international health organizations, coupled with the preparedness measures implemented by state governments, suggests a comprehensive approach to managing the potential impact of HMPV in India.
The emergence of HMPV cases in India, while not unexpected given its global presence, serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous vigilance against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The prompt identification, reporting, and response demonstrate the effectiveness of existing surveillance systems. The emphasis on public health measures such as hygiene practices and early detection reinforces the crucial role of individual responsibility in containing the spread of respiratory viruses. Further research and continued monitoring will be key to understanding the long-term dynamics of HMPV circulation in India and to ensure the implementation of appropriate public health strategies to mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations.
Source: Bengaluru HMPV Virus: India reports first case of HMPV virus in Bengaluru hospital