Since November, three Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases have been detected in Kolkata, according to Sudipta Mitra, CEO of the city’s Peerless Hospital. This brings the overall number of cases in the country to six. “Three HMPV virus cases have been identified since November. It is not a rare occurrence. These incidents occur every winter. Every case was minor in nature. Regarding that, we are not taking any preventative action,” Mr. Mitra stated.
Bengaluru has reported two instances thus far, while Gujarat has reported one, involving a two-month-old boy from Dungarpur, Rajasthan. A female newborn aged three months who had a history of bronchopneumonia was the subject of the first case in Bengaluru. After receiving treatment at Baptist Hospital, she was released. An eight-month-old boy with a similar medical history who was also taken to Baptist Hospital was the subject of the second instance, which was discovered on January 3, 2025. This baby’s status is steady and on the mend right now.
surprisingly, neither of the Bengaluru cases had any prior international travel history, suggesting that the illnesses were acquired locally and had nothing to do with the Chinese outbreak.
HMPV is not a novel virus; it is already circulating throughout the world, including in India, the Health Ministry has stressed. The ministry pointed out that there hasn’t been any unexpected increase in the number of instances of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) or influenza-like illness (ILI) in India, according to data gathered by the ICMR and IDSP.
In order to stay informed about developments in China, the Ministry keeps an eye on the situation via all available means and maintains contact with the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, the ICMR has pledged to expand laboratory testing capabilities and monitor HMPV circulation trends throughout the year.
Sourcee: The Economic Times
