HMPV Cases In India: A six-month-old baby in Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, Mumbai has tested positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The baby was admitted to the hospital on January 1 after experiencing severe coughing, chest tightness, and a drop in oxygen levels to 84%. So far, 7 Babies have tested positive for HPMV Virus in the country. On Monday, two cases were reported from Bengaluru in Karnataka, two from Tamil Nadu while a third tested positive in Gujarat. Two more cases were reported from Nagpur later.

Doctors confirmed the virus using a new rapid PCR test. As there is no specific treatment for the virus, the doctors provided symptom relief through medications like Bronchodilators in the ICU. The baby has been discharged from the hospital after five days of treatment.

BMC Increases surveillance

Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Health Department mentioned that they had not received any report on this case, but they have increased surveillance for influenza and severe respiratory infections.

Doctors across the country have noted that HMPV has been around for decades and primarily affects children and the elderly. However, it is unlikely to cause a pandemic like COVID.

The first two cases of HMPV was reported from Bengaluru. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had confirmed the same by releasing a press release. Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country.

The surge in cases have raised fear and concern among citizens. However, Union Health Ministry said that it is closely monitoring the situation in view of the rising cases.

HMPV Cases In India: Doctors Say ‘No Cause For Panic!

Dr Pinaki R Debnath, HoD, Paediatric Surgery, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital told ANI that the HMPV existed earlier and it erupted now because of some reasons like cold.

“Human Metapneumovirus is not a new virus, it is an old virus. It existed earlier too. It erupted right now because of some reasons like cold. This happens in cold. This is a respiratory RNA virus; it infects the respiratory system…A viral infection spreads more when immunity is lowered or among the extremes of age. Those above 60-65 years of age or those below five years of age have a low body immunity. If the body’s immunity is low, virus spread is more. That is why, it can be seen among children,” Debnath said.

“Its symptoms include respiratory infection – like nasal blockage, runny nose, red eyes, and scratchy throat. If it is severe, there will be pneumonia-like symptoms, when there is respiratory distress. Otherwise, there will be normal symptoms like cold and cough…Its impact stays for 2-7 days and it gets cured automatically within that period. There is no anti-viral drug for it. So, how we can prevent it – mask up if you are going to a crowded area, if there is someone who is already infected maintain distance from them and do not shake hands with them, wash your hands and observe cough/sneezing etiquette. This will help prevent it,” Dr R Debnath said.

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, spokesperson of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kochi said that HMPV is a common respiratory virus which most children get by the age of 3 or 4.

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