Human metapneumovirus
India’s first case of human metapneumo virus (HMPV) was reported in Bengaluru on Monday.. 8-month-old baby was diagnosed with human metapneumovirus after being admitted to a private hospital with persistent fever. The virus was confirmed during a routine
blood test. And the surprising thing is that Abalak has no history of any travel to China.
However, the Karnataka Health Department has not confirmed this virus. According to sources, the health department has received the samples and sent them to Pune for testing. The health department also lacks information on the virus fever as Chinese authorities have not shared any data on the type detected in China.
On Saturday, the Karnataka Health Department issued an advisory after warning of HMPV outbreaks in several cities.
“No case of HMPV has been reported in the state of Karnataka,” the advisory said. It added that the department collected data on current respiratory infections in the state and based on the data there was no increase in cases and no increase in the number of cases reported in December 2024 as compared to the previous year.
Delhi health officials had issued an advisory to ensure preparedness in case of an outbreak of HMPV. Strict isolation protocols and use of precautions have also been mandated for suspected cases. Hospitals have also been advised to maintain documentation of such cases to ensure accuracy in monitoring.
Senior Health Services Officer Vandana Bagga also held a meeting with IDSP’s state program office and chief district medical officers on Sunday. She discussed the preparedness for the situation in case of an outbreak of HMPV virus in the national capital and asked to be ready to meet the situation in advance of this virus.
The Union Ministry has also taken note of the situation and common people need not panic. The ministry said that India has requested the World Health Organization to closely monitor the global status of HMPV through regular updates and various channels.