Mumbai Reports First HMPV Case, Maharashtra's Tally Rises To 3

Mumbai reports its first case of HMPV virus in a six-month-old infant. This brings the total HMPV cases to 3 in Maharashtra and 9 nationally.

Mumbai reports first case of HMPV virus.

Source : PTI

Mumbai has reported its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) case, detected in a six-month-old infant at Hiranandani Hospital in city's Powai area. The latest case has taken the tally of HMPV cases in Maharashtra to 3 and 9 nationwide. 

The infected infant was admitted to hospital on January 1 after her oxygen level dropped to 84 per cent amid cough and congestion.

The doctors conducted a new rapid PCR test which returned a positive result. The girl is being given symptomatic treatment in the ICU with drugs such as bronchodilators, as there is no specific treatment for this virus, said the doctors. 

She was discharged from the hospital after being admitted for five days.

Meanwhile, the health department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said it did not receive any report of the case but has increased surveillance for influenza and severe respiratory infections.

Doctors say HMPV has been around for decades and mainly affects children and the elderly, but it is unlikely to cause a pandemic like COVID-19.

The earlier two cases in the Maharashtra were reported from Nagpur. Both patients were in good health and were sent home after treatment, the officials said, reported PTI. Their samples were collected and sent to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the National Institute of Virology in Pune. 

So far, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat are the other states that have reported the virus. 

On Tuesday, the Centre advised states to step up surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including ILI and SARI. The central government also advised states to spread awareness about the prevention of transmission of HMPV. 

The country reported its first HMPV case on Monday after five children tested positive in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda said there was no reason to worry, adding the government was closely monitoring the situation.