HMPV In India: First Infection Reported In Gujarat After Two Cases In Karnataka

The patient has been admitted to a private hospital in the Chandkheda area of Ahmedabad. 

Third case of HMPV reported in India on Monday, January 6th 2025.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

Hours after the Union Health Ministry confirmed two cases of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) in Karnataka, another case has been reported in Gujarat. This is the first case of HMPV in Gujarat as the virus has been detected in a 2-month-old. The patient has been admitted to a private hospital in the Chandkheda area of Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel sharing details of the patient said "SOPs will be issued" as there is "no need to panic now".

#WATCH | Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel says, "...This (#HMPV) has been detected in a 2-month-old child who arrived from Dungarpur, Rajasthan for Sarwar. The child has been referred from Sarwar to Ahmedabad...We have to follow the dos and don'ts that were followed during… pic.twitter.com/R1C2GKs2Yy

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025

"This (HMPV) has been detected in a 2-month-old child who arrived from Dungarpur, Rajasthan for Sarwar. The child has been referred from Sarwar to Ahmedabad...," Gujarat Health Minister said on Monday. 

"We have to follow the dos and don'ts that were followed during COVID. SOPs will be issued by the State Government...There is no need to panic now, no advisory has been issued by the Central body yet but it has been advised to stay alert," he added. 

The Karnataka cases involved two infants, a three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy, who were both admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. These cases were detected through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which monitors respiratory diseases. While neither child had a history of international travel, both had a background of bronchopneumonia. The girl has been discharged, and the boy is on the path to recovery.

Dr Atul Goel, the Director-General of Health Services, reassured the public in light of the recent HMPV cases, stating that there is "no need for panic". He highlighted that hospitals across India are well-equipped to manage the seasonal surge in respiratory infections, ensuring there are sufficient supplies and beds available to handle any cases.

Dr Goel explained that HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, typically causing mild symptoms like a cold. However, it can lead to more severe flu-like symptoms in very young children or elderly individuals. He urged the public to take basic hygiene precautions, such as frequent handwashing and wearing masks where necessary, to prevent the spread of infections, especially during the winter season.

Symptoms Of HMPV

HMPV typically causes mild upper respiratory symptoms that resemble those of a common cold. Common symptoms include a cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever. In most cases, individuals recover with basic care. However, in more severe cases, particularly among high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, or those with preexisting health conditions, the symptoms can worsen. These may include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and exacerbation of asthma. While HMPV is generally not a cause for alarm, it is important for individuals experiencing severe symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.