Two Infants in Bengaluru Test Positive for HMPV

Two infants in Bengaluru have been diagnosed with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), raising concerns among the public. However, the Central government has clarified that HMPV cases are already circulating globally, including in India, and urged people not to panic. The patients, an eight-month-old boy and a three-month-old girl, both had a history of bronchopneumonia and have since shown improvement. A similar case was reported in Ahmedabad, where a two-month-old child from Rajasthan is undergoing treatment.

HMPV Circulation Not Unusual, Emphasizes Health Ministry

The Union Health Ministry has stated that the Bengaluru cases were identified through routine surveillance as part of ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses. HMPV typically affects children under 11 and usually presents with mild cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to severe complications in vulnerable groups. The Ministry emphasized that there has been no unusual surge in respiratory illnesses in India based on current data.

Karnataka Health Commissioner Urges Calm

Karnataka Health Commissioner Harsha Gupta reassured the public that the detection of HMPV cases in the infants was not unusual. He emphasized that no specific protocols have been issued for these cases and urged people to remain calm.

Global Monitoring of Respiratory Illnesses

The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in China, where respiratory illnesses, including HMPV, are on the rise. The Ministry is leveraging all available surveillance channels and receiving timely updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) to inform ongoing measures.

India Prepared to Handle Any Potential Increase

The Ministry highlighted that the recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has demonstrated India’s readiness to effectively handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses. Public health interventions can be swiftly deployed if necessary.