A health alert has been issued in Nagpur, India, where two children aged seven and 14 tested positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), increasing the total number of cases in the region to seven.
On January 3, the children were taken to a private hospital in Nagpur’s Ramdaspeth area for treatment of fever and cough. Following tests, hospital authorities confirmed the infection. HMPV, a respiratory illness similar to Covid-19, affects both the upper and lower respiratory tract with symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, and sore throat.
Maharashtra on Alert
The Maharashtra health department is on alert mode over a potential rise in cases. Authorities have advised individuals experiencing severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) symptoms to take extra precautions. Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has called for a meeting at St. George’s Hospital to discuss preventive measures.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured citizens that HMPV is not a new virus, having been globally recognized since 2001. While there is no surge in respiratory illnesses, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has emphasized the importance of public awareness and surveillance.
HMPV cases have also been reported in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Tamil Nadu, with a total of seven confirmed infections nationwide. Despite the rise in cases, health officials urge the public to remain calm and adhere to preventive guidelines.
Bengaluru & Ahmedabad HMPV Cases
A 3-month-old baby, who has since been discharged, and an 8-month-old infant recovering in a hospital were identified as HMPV cases through routine respiratory illness surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
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“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,” said a statement from the Centre.
A 2-month-old baby initially placed on a ventilator has stabilized. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Chief Medical Officer, Bhavin Solanki, revealed that the infection was detected on December 26, but the hospital reported the case late.
None of the infected children or their families have a recent travel history, ruling out external exposure.
HMPV and Its Impact
HMPV, a respiratory virus known to cause cold-like symptoms, can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions, particularly in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. It is globally circulated, with cases peaking during winter and early spring.
The virus is being closely monitored following reports of rising respiratory illnesses in China, attributed to viruses such as influenza, RSV, and HMPV.
The Health Ministry has convened a meeting to address HMPV preparedness, with participation from national and international health bodies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and ICMR.
Government Steps Against HMPV
The ICMR will track HMPV trends alongside influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) throughout the year.
Surveillance is supported by networks like the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
Laboratories across India have been equipped to handle more HMPV tests.
Hospitals have been advised to strengthen isolation protocols.
Ensure the availability of essential medicines. Report ILI and SARI cases through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).
Monitoring Global Trends
The Centre emphasized that current surveillance data does not indicate any unusual surge in respiratory infections in India. However, the government remains vigilant, particularly in light of increased respiratory illness reports from China.
The emergence of HMPV highlights the importance of robust public health infrastructure and continuous monitoring to safeguard vulnerable populations from evolving respiratory threats.
