A two-month-old boy who was admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad has been detected with the Human Metapneumovirus infection. With this, five cases of HMPV virus have been reported in India so far.
A fresh case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in Kolkata, where a 6-month-old child was detected with the virus. However, the child is now healthy after receiving treatment at a private hospital. With the recent detection in Kolkata, the HMPV total infections in India has risen to 5. So far, two cases of Human Metapneumovirus have been reported from Karnataka and one in Gujarat. HMPV Cases May Impact Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Election Commission stays on an alert in this regard.
The Union Health Ministry and several states have amped up surveillance and preventive measures after the HMPV outbreak was first reported in China. In the latest case from Kolkata, the child is said to be healthy after the treatment. The child had come to Kolkata from Mumbai with his parents in November 2024. After arriving in Kolkata, the child fell ill and his condition deteriorated immediately after getting off the plane. Doctors said that the child had a fever and had other symptoms like vomiting, upset stomach and breathing difficulties. The child received treatment for three weeks.
A two-month-old boy who was admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad has been detected with the Human Metapneumovirus infection. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel asked people not to panic and said the state government had made preparations to tackle the viral infection.
Before this, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.
The Union Health Ministry has emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with it have been reported in various countries.
The Directorate of Medical Education, Karnataka has issued an advisory titled ‘Do Not Panic, Be Aware’, after two cases of HMPV were reported in Bengaluru. The advisory said that hospital have been instructed to report influenza-like illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) cases. It further ordered the districts to ensure availability of necessary medications and maintain proper documentation of cases.
The Telangana health department, while emphasizing that there is no HMPV outbreak (having compared data of respiratory illnesses in December 2023 to those in December 2024), has urged citizens to follow certain preventive measures to protect against respiratory infections in general.
Human metapneumovirus is a virus that usually causes symptoms that are similar to a cold. Due to this, one may cough or wheeze, have a runny nose, or have a sore throat. Even though most of the cases of the virus are mild, young children and adults over the age of 65 years and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for serious illness.
HMPV is common, most people get it before they turn 5 years old. Doctors say HMPV most often causes symptoms that are similar to a cold, but some people can get very sick. One can be severely sick the first time you get HMPV – which is why young kids have a greater risk for serious illness. However, one may get some immunity from first infection and then have mild, cold-like symptoms if one gets another infection later. Adults over 65 years and those with breathing issues or a weakened immune system may also get severe symptoms.
A few signs and symptoms of human metapneumovirus include:
Severe cough
High fever
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Rashes all over the body
Escalated bronchitis or pneumonia
How to diagnose: Usually, doctors diagnose HMPV based on symptoms and health history. They might use a soft-tipped swab to get a sample from your nose or throat. A lab tests the sample for viruses and other infections. However, it is important to note that you may not be tested for HMPV unless you have serious symptoms.
How is HMPV treated?
While there are no antiviral medications that treat human metapneumovirus, doctors say most people can manage their symptoms at home until they feel better. In case of severe symptoms, one may be admitted to a hospital, where the doctors can monitor condition and help prevent from getting sicker. You may be treated with:
Oxygen therapy
If you are having a hard time breathing, extra oxygen through a tube in your nose or a mask on your face can be provided.
IV fluids: Fluids delivered directly to your vein (IV) help keep you hydrated.
Corticosteroids: Steroids reduce inflammation and might ease some of your symptoms.
Do antibiotics treat HMPV: – No, since antibiotics only treat bacteria. HMPV is a virus, so antibiotics will not be able to get rid of it. However, sometimes, those who get pneumonia from HMPV also get a bacterial infection at the same time.
One can manage mild, cold-like symptoms of HMPV at home by:
Drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration
Take over the counter or OTC medications like pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants to help your symptoms. Do not give medications to kids without asking their paediatrician first; some medications that are OK for adults are not safe for kids.
According to the Union Health Ministry, there is no cause for alarm even though the virus is circulating in India. Even as the HMPV virus has seen some cases among babies and infants in India, the health ministry has said there is no cause for worry as of now. Authorities say the surge in HMPV cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, which are common factors that facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses.
In fact, the sudden surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has raised alarms about a possible virus outbreak reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, China says it is a seasonal illness that happens every winter season. Health authorities say the surge in HMPV cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, which are common factors that facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses.
According to doctors, it is important to note that increase in cases aligns with typical seasonal patterns. Even though the World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified the situation as a global health emergency, the growing number of cases has prompted officials to enhance monitoring measures.
On the other hand, China is reportedly grappling with a surge of respiratory illnesses, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV), influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Covid-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums. Several videos circulating online showed packed hospitals and distressed patients, sparking fears of a potential new pandemic.
The alarming visuals emerging from China reportedly linked to the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have sparked global fears, with many interpreting it as a potential resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some videos floating on social media show children looking frail, lying in hospital beds with intravenous (IV) drips, surrounded by nervous parents. Some pictures show crowded hospital wards, long queues of patients, and medical staff in protective gear, adding to the public alarm.
These distressing images are reminiscent of the visuals from the Covid-19 pandemic. But the real story behind these alarming visuals could be different. The truth lies in the difference in the healthcare culture of the Chinese.
Published evidence shows that China’s healthcare system is “severely fragmented” with poor coordination between primary, secondary and tertiary care. Without family doctors acting as “gatekeepers”, primary care fails to compete with big hospitals, leading to patients directly reaching out to tertiary hospitals, leaving the big hospitals crowded.
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Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
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