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Informist, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025

 

NEW DELHI - The Indian Council of Medical Research has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus, commonly known as HMPV, in Bengaluru, the government said Monday, adding that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses. "Public health interventions can be deployed promptly, if needed," the health ministry said in a release. 

 

The virus was detected in a three-month-old female infant, who has since recovered, and an eight-month-old male infant, who is recovering, the ministry said. Both infants had a history of bronchopneumonia, and neither of the affected patients had any history of international travel, the ministry said. 

 

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, the release said. "It is emphasised that HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries," the ministry said. 

Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus which causes symptoms resembling a cold, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In view of the rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China in the past few weeks, the health ministry on Saturday held a joint monitoring group meeting, which was attended by government officials and experts from the World Health Organization, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme ICMR, and hospitals.

 

"Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme network, there has been no unusual surge in influenza-like illness or severe acute respiratory illness cases in the country," the ministry said.

 

The Centre is monitoring the situation and ICMR will continue to track trends in Human Metapneumovirus circulation throughout the year, the ministry said, adding that the World Health Organization is already providing updates regarding the situation in China.  End

 

Reported by Shubham Rana

Edited by Vandana Hingorani

 

 

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