HMPV virus reaches India, Health Ministry said- two children found infected in Karnataka, alert issued

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The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection spreading in China has reached India. The Union Health Ministry said that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected HMPV infection in two children in Karnataka. The infection has been found in a three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy.

The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection spreading in China has reached India. The Union Health Ministry said that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found HMPV infection in two children in Karnataka. A three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy have been found infected. After finding the case, the Health Minister of Karnataka has called an emergency meeting.

These days, an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is being seen in China. There are reports of a large number of people dying from the virus. The Health Ministry in India has also started strict monitoring regarding this. Many states have issued advisories and alerts. Along with this, two cases of HMPV virus have been reported in India.

The ministry said that a three-month-old girl was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bangalore for the treatment of bronchopneumonia disease. The girl was found to have HMPV. She has been discharged. An eight-month-old child was also found infected in the same hospital. His sample was taken on January 3, 2025. The child’s condition is also fine. Both the infected children and their family members have no history of international travel.

The Health Ministry said that HMPV is already in circulation around the world, including India. Cases of respiratory diseases related to it have been reported in many countries. On the other hand, based on the current data of ICMR and Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in the country.

The ministry said that the situation is being monitored. ICMR will continue to monitor the trends of HMPV circulation throughout the year. However, the World Health Organization is already informing about the measures being taken in China. All health units are on alert regarding this.

Andhra Pradesh government issued an alert
The Andhra Pradesh government has issued an alert regarding the HMPV virus. Andhra Pradesh Director of Public Health and Family Welfare K Padmavati said that this virus spreads from one person to another just like COVID-19. It mainly affects children, the elderly and persons with weak immunity. There has been no case of HMPV in Andhra Pradesh. There is no need to panic at the moment. Persons who are in close contact with persons infected with HMPV are at risk of virus infection. He said that this disease can also spread through coughing, sneezing, touching and shaking hands of infected persons.