Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 06, 2025 1 day, 11 hours, 59 minutes ago
Medical News: HMPV Emerges in Bengaluru-India
Bengaluru, a city known for its bustling tech industry and thriving culture, has recently witnessed the emergence of a rare respiratory virus, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). On January 3, health authorities confirmed that a three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. This case marks the second confirmed HMPV infection in Bengaluru within a short span of time. The infant has since been discharged and is recovering well, according to the Union Health Ministry.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/hmpv-outbreak-icmr-detects-two-cases-of-human-metapneumovirus-in-karnataka-23459448
Three-Month-Old Female Infant Becomes Second HMPV Case in Bengaluru, India
Image: Past Stock Shots
Earlier, an eight-month-old male infant, also in Bengaluru, was diagnosed with HMPV under similar circumstances. He too had a history of bronchopneumonia and was treated at Baptist Hospital. Fortunately, he is reported to be on the mend.
https://x.com/pradhyu78651514/status/1876125317917794662
Neither of the infants had a history of international travel, ruling out foreign exposure as the source of the infection.
This
Medical News report delves into the details of these cases, the virus, and the measures being taken to monitor and mitigate its spread.
What Is Human Metapneumovirus?
Human Metapneumovirus, often abbreviated as HMPV, is a respiratory virus that primarily affects infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. First identified in 2001, it is known to cause symptoms ranging from mild cold-like issues to severe respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia. While the virus is already in circulation globally, reports of confirmed cases in India, especially among infants, are raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.
India's Response to the HMPV Outbreak
The Union Health Ministry has assured the public that India is well-prepared to handle any potential rise in HMPV cases. Surveillance systems operated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) are actively monitoring respiratory viruses, including HMPV. So far, no unusual spike in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) has been reported nationwide.
A recent preparedness drill conducted across India demonstrated the country’s readiness to deploy public health interventions should the need arise. Laboratories testing for HMPV cases are being expanded, and year-round monitoring of the virus will be conducted by the ICMR. The government has also requested the World Health O
rganization (WHO) to share timely updates, particularly concerning the situation in China, where a surge in respiratory illnesses has been reported.
Global and Local Trends
Globally, HMPV is recognized as a significant cause of respiratory illness. Seasonal variations typically see an increase in cases during colder months. Experts from the WHO and other health organizations emphasize that the recent rise in respiratory illnesses in regions like China is not unusual for this time of year. However, the detection of HMPV in Bengaluru underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures.
What This Means for Bengaluru and Beyond
Physicians and public health experts in India confirm that the current cases of HMPV do not indicate an outbreak or unusual surge. However, the presence of the virus among infants with no international travel history suggests local transmission. As the virus is already known to circulate in India, citizens are advised to remain cautious but not alarmed. Practicing good hygiene, wearing masks in crowded spaces, and seeking medical advice for respiratory symptoms are simple yet effective measures.
Conclusion
The detection of HMPV in Bengaluru highlights the importance of robust surveillance and quick response systems in managing emerging infectious diseases. While the two infants affected are recovering, the cases serve as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance. With the government’s proactive measures and public awareness, India remains well-positioned to address any potential rise in respiratory illnesses.
For the latest HMPV News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/emerging-novel-lineages-of-human-metapneumovirus-in-china-mark-the-start-of-2025
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/online-media-claim-that-china-has-declared-a-health-emergency-and-that-hospitals-and-crematoriums-are-overflowing-is-it-true
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