Following reports of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China and two cases in India on Monday, the Union Ministry issued a statement and clarified that these two cases are not linked to China’s HMPV as they do not have any history of international travel.
Two cases of the virus were detected in India through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) network of laboratories. “HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries.” said the Union Health Ministry issued a statement.
The Ministry also noted that the two cases in India, involving a three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy, had no history of international travel, indicating no link to the reported surge in China. Both children, who were admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru with pneumonia symptoms, are now recovering. The girl has been discharged, while the boy is still undergoing treatment.
In response to the situation in China, the Health Ministry had convened a Joint Monitoring Group to monitor developments. The group has been receiving timely updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the situation in China. It is common for respiratory infections to increase globally during the winter months.
