On Monday, the Union health ministry of India confirmed three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking the first reports of the virus in the country. The two cases in Bengaluru involve an eight-month-old infant currently being treated in a hospital and a three-month-old baby who has been discharged. A two-month-old infant was also found infected in Ahmedabad. Notably, these infants and their families have no recent travel history, thereby eliminating potential exposure from other regions or countries.
HMPV is known globally as a respiratory virus and has recently attracted attention following an outbreak in China. The Union health ministry stated that it is closely monitoring the situation using all available surveillance channels. Further, the Indian Council of Medical Research (IMCR) will continue to track HMPV circulation trends throughout the year.
Authorities in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi have commenced precautionary measures and issued guidelines reminiscent of Covid-19 protocols to prepare for any health challenges posed by HMPV.
Health experts mentioned that HMPV is not a new virus, with a significant portion of the Indian population already possessing immunity to it despite the rising number of confirmed cases. In Andhra Pradesh, officials have reported no cases of HMPV and reassured residents that there is no reason for panic regarding the virus. K Padmavathi, the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare in Andhra Pradesh, noted that HMPV spreads from person to person, similar to Covid-19, and primarily impacts children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
In response to the detection of cases in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed health and medical education departments to implement all necessary precautionary measures. Overall, while the emergence of HMPV in India has raised some concerns, health officials are actively managing the situation to ensure public safety.
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel has reassured the public not to panic following the detection of HMPV in a two-month-old boy in Ahmedabad. He confirmed that the state government is prepared to handle the situation regarding this viral infection. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, where no cases have been reported, the health department has taken proactive measures by urging citizens to adhere to safety guidelines. They have issued an advisory for increased vigilance from local administrations and heightened surveillance of patients exhibiting cold and cough symptoms.
The advisory outlines several dos for the citizens: individuals should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently using soap, water, or alcohol-based sanitizers, avoid crowded places if showing symptoms like fever or cough, maintain hydration and a nutritious diet, and ensure proper ventilation in living spaces to minimize the risk of infection.
Conversely, the advisory also lists don’ts which include avoiding handshakes, not recycling tissues and handkerchiefs, keeping away from those who are sick, refraining from touching the face frequently, avoiding public spitting, and not taking medication without a doctor’s advice.
In the capital city of Delhi, the government has instructed hospitals to be alert and ready in anticipation of a possible rise in respiratory illnesses due to the confirmed presence of three HMPV cases in the country.
The directive, marked as “Most Urgent,” comes from Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, who emphasized the importance of close monitoring of the situation and maintaining communication with the Union health ministry for timely updates.
Together, these measures across different states reflect an awareness and preparation for managing HMPV, demonstrating a proactive approach to promoting public health and safety during this time of concern.
