India has reported its first two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, detected during routine respiratory illness surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Hereās a comprehensive overview of the cases and their significance:
HMPV Cases in Bengaluru
Case 1:
Patient: 8-month-old male infant.
Details: Sample collected on January 2 tested positive for HMPV.
Condition: No recent travel history; no concerning symptoms reported.
Case 2:
Patient: 3-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia.
Details: Tested positive for HMPV after admission to Bengaluruās Baptist Hospital.
Condition: Discharged and currently recovering.
Karnataka health officials emphasize there is no immediate cause for alarm, with the Directorate General of Health Services assuring that the situation remains under control.
Understanding HMPV
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus first discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands.
Transmission: Spreads via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and contact with contaminated surfaces.
Seasonality: Most common during winter and spring, overlapping with infections like RSV and influenza.
Symptoms of HMPV
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe:
Mild: Cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat.
Severe: Wheezing, difficulty breathing, and, in rare cases, rash.
While primarily affecting children, HMPV can also impact adults, especially those with weakened immune systems or preexisting conditions.
