India - ICMR detects two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance

[Mary Wilson]

Jan 6, 2025 11:28 AM IST
By HT News Desk

HMPV cases LIVE: After India confirmed five cases of HMPV, #lockdown trended on X on Monday as people feared it will lead to a similar situation as Covid did. However, the government and health experts emphases there is no need to panic as it is not a new virus and is like a regular flu. ...

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed the Health, Medical & Family Welfare Department officials to be alert to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and take preventive measures. ...

Two children have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and are currently undergoing treatment, news agency PTI quoted health official saying on Monday.

These two are the first cases to be reported from the city from two hospitals. ...

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hmpv-virus-cases-live-news-global-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv-tracker-government-guidelines-symptoms-latest-updates-today-101736152619898.html

[Pathfinder]

Hat tip to Matthew Ward Agius

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Update on HMPV

ICMR Detects Two Cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance

Surveillance System Robust, No Unusual Surge in ILI or SARI cases in the country


Posted On: 06 JAN 2025 11:35AM by PIB Delhi

There have been media reports of some Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases detected in Karnataka. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR's ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country.

It is emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.

The details of the detected HMPV cases are as under:

1. A 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has been since discharged.
2. An 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is now recovering.

It is important to note that neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel.

Union Health Ministry is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures.

The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed.

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https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2090456

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Jagat Prakash Nadda
@JPNadda

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus and has been circulating globally for many years. The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no cause for concern, and we are closely monitoring the situation.

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9:34 AM · Jan 6, 2025