According to Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, two infants of Bengaluru have tested positive for HMPV, a new strain which might call for worrying. While one infant showed mild symptoms, the other infant with a history of bronchopneumonia had got well.
HMPV Cases in Bengaluru: Key Details
The Indian Council of Medical Research confirmed the HMPV cases through routine surveillance for respiratory pathogen:
- Case 1: An 8-month-old male infant in Bengaluru tested positive on January 2. Despite no travel history, he exhibited mild symptoms and is under observation.
- Case 2: A 3-month-old female infant, with a past diagnosis of bronchopneumonia, tested positive at Baptist Hospital. She has since been discharged and is recovering well.
Health Minister’s Statement on HMPV
“This is not India’s first encounter with HMPV; the virus has existed for years. However, there is a possibility of a new strain, which requires further investigation,” said Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently garnered attention due to videos and reports circulating on social media, suggesting that hospitals in China are overwhelmed by a surge in respiratory illnesses, including HMPV. Posts also claim that outbreaks of multiple viruses, including HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, have contributed to overcrowding in both hospitals and cemeteries.
HMPV, first identified in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands, is a significant cause of acute respiratory infections, according to the American Lung Association. The virus primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, either through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs or toys.
In the United States, HMPV typically circulates more frequently during the winter and spring months, overlapping with other respiratory infections like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu.
Symptoms of HMPV
Common symptoms of HMPV include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- In some cases, a rash may occur.
Global Context and Recent Trends
Globally, HMPV makes up approximately 0.7% of flu cases and regularly circulates during winter and spring, coinciding with other respiratory infections. Videos and reports from China have recently surfaced showing overcrowded hospitals with respiratory illnesses, including HMPV.
After news of Karnataka cases, Google Trends saw a surge in searches on “HMPV virus symptoms” from India. Most of the searches were from Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Conclusion
HMPV is a respiratory pathogen of interest, especially in vulnerable populations, such as children. With health authorities monitoring the outbreak further, more clarity on the strain and its implications can be expected soon.
