First HMPV Cases Detected in Karnataka: Insights and Implications

India Confirms First Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Cases in Karnataka: Key Details and Implications

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified the first documented cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India, sparking discussions about the virus and its implications for public health. Both cases were detected in Karnataka as part of routine surveillance for respiratory pathogens.

One of the confirmed cases is an eight-month-old male infant from Bengaluru. The sample, collected on January 2, tested positive for HMPV. According to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials, the child and their family had no recent travel history or alarming symptoms, which indicates local transmission.

The second case involves a three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia. She tested positive for HMPV after admission to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. The Union Health Ministry says the infant has been discharged and is recovering after treatment.

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HMPV in Karnataka: What We Know
HMPV is a respiratory virus mainly infecting children, and it has an incidence of approximately 0.7% among the flu cases globally. Karnataka health authorities have, however admitted that they are not well aware of the strain involved in the cases, which necessitates further investigation.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “This is not India’s first case. The virus has been there for years, but this could be a new strain. Detailed analysis is required to confirm that.”

Read more: Understanding HMPV: A Respiratory Virus Misunderstood as a Major Threat

Understanding HMPV
Dutch scientists first detected it in 2001. It causes severe respiratory infections. Its spread occurs mainly through droplets released during coughing and sneezing. Moreover, people become infected due to contact with the patient’s skin, such as when holding onto a patient, touching infected toys or door knobs, among other surfaces. HMPV, the American Lung Association points out, tends to occur between the winter and spring months; at times overlapping with other infections such as RSV and influenza.

The recent cases in India correspond to reports of respiratory illness surges in China, where the hospitals are reported to be overwhelmed. HMPV and other viruses such as influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19 feature in discussions of social media contributors as some of the factors increasing the global burden of respiratory diseases.

HMPV Symptoms
The symptoms of HMPV vary between being mild to serious, mainly taking the symptoms of flu and common cold. Some of its symptoms include fever, coughing, running nose, sore throat, and wheezing or shortness of breath in severe cases. Sometimes a rash accompanies the infection.

Public Response and Awareness
Recent days have seen an increase in searches for “HMPV virus symptoms” and other related queries such as “fatigue,” “nasal congestion,” and “HMPV virus in Bangalore.” This has mainly been observed in Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. This increase indicates rising public concern due to reports of the confirmed cases.

While HMPV is not a new pathogen, its emergence in India underscores the importance of continued surveillance and public health preparedness. Enhanced awareness, timely diagnosis, and proper hygiene practices can help mitigate the spread of this respiratory virus.

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