Hmpv virus : Now cases of this virus have been found in India too

In infants, the symptoms of HMPV often resemble those of other respiratory infections and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

The first case of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) has been recorded in Bengaluru, India, and the global community is extremely concerned about the spread in China. "HMPV was identified in a 3-month-old girl who had a history of bronchonemonia and was referred to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She is now no longer in the hospital. Similarly, on January 3, 2025, an 8-month-old boy who had previously been brought to Baptist Hospital due to a history of bronchonemonia tested positive for HMPV. The authorities verified that the baby is now on the mend.

It is noteworthy that the official study states that none of the impacted patients have ever traveled abroad. According to the story, which cited the state health agency, the child's blood came from a private hospital rather than being analyzed in their lab. "The report came from a private hospital, and we have no reason to doubt the private hospital's testing," a health department source told the reporters. There were no HMPV cases reported in Karnataka, according to a warning released by the state health department on Saturday. It is now the state's first verified case.

In Bengaluru, two infants, ages three and eight months, were the subjects of the first known HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) case in India.

"I don't think we need to panic because HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) is not a new virus; it has existed before," Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told the reporters. It is untrue to say that this is the first incidence in India. A tiny proportion of persons are afflicted by this virus, which is currently in existence. This is not a novel situation. The child who got this ailment is a local and has never traveled. The Chinese outbreak is being characterized as a novel HMPV subtype. We still don't have all the facts, and the Indian government hasn't given us all the information. They're probably attempting to learn more.

"HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses linked to HMPV have been reported in various countries," the central government said. Additionally, there hasn't been an extraordinary rise in the number of cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) across the nation, according to data currently available from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network."

HMPV and other respiratory viruses are comparable.

Dr. Atul Goel, the Director General of Health Services, has reassured people that they shouldn't be concerned about HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus). He clarified that HMPV usually produces mild symptoms akin to a cold, just like other respiratory viruses. Rarely, it can cause flu-like symptoms, particularly in elderly people or very young children. Dr. Goel underlined that hospitals in India have enough beds and supplies to deal with the seasonal spike in respiratory illnesses. In order to keep safe during the winter, he advised everyone to exercise basic hygiene and take common safety measures. This update was also posted by the Union Health Ministry on the social networking site X.

An infection caused by HMPV is minor.

The world is deeply concerned about the outbreak of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) in China, and now the first case of this virus has been reported in Bengaluru, India.  

According to Dr. RR Dutta, Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Paras Health in Gurugram, "Respiratory sickness cases have not significantly increased beyond the typical seasonal fluctuations. including the common cold, the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that typically causes moderate symptoms including fever, coughing, and congestion of the nose. Young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are among the vulnerable categories who may experience flu-like symptoms or consequences like pneumonia or bronchitis. However, since the issue is under control, there is now no reason for fear.

Like any respiratory virus, HMPV is best prevented by following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face with dirty hands, and remaining at home when you're sick. For individuals exhibiting symptoms, precautions such as avoiding direct contact with people, sharing utensils, and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze can help stop the virus from spreading. Although respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces can transmit HMPV, the majority of cases are mild and go away in a few days. We can control and reduce its spread with the right measures.

What You Must Know About HMPV Symptoms

The common respiratory virus known as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)** mostly affects the lungs and airways. HMPV, which was identified in 2001, belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and shares a close relationship with the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Although HPV can infect persons of any age, newborns, young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are more at risk. Respiratory droplets created via coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with contaminated surfaces are how the virus is disseminated. HMPV symptoms in babies can vary from moderate to severe and frequently mimic those of other respiratory illnesses. Typical signs and symptoms include:

• Fever: mild to moderate.
• Cough: Continuous and sometimes severe.
• Congestion:  Runny or blocked nose.
• Breathing difficulties : include wheezing, nasal flaring, and rapid or forced breathing.
• Fatigue: Decreased activity and irritability.
• Feeding Issues:  Breathing problems that make breastfeeding or bottle-feeding difficult.