'HMPV not a new virus': Cases rise to 7 as Centre says no reason to worry

At least seven cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections among children as of Tuesday morning.

The first two cases were reported in Bengaluru's Baptist Hospital, followed by a third one in Ahmedabad. Later more cases were reported in Chennai, Salem and Nagpur.

However, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said there is risk of an outbreak similar to the Covid-19 pandemic and the situation is under control. Pointing out that HMPV is not a new virus, Nadda said it was first identified in 2001.

The infants infected in Bengaluru, a three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy, were suffering from broncho-pneumonia but had no international travel history.

The two-month-old from Rajasthan's Dungarpur was admitted to a hospital in Ahmedabad in December. The infant tested positive for HMPV on December 26 as confirmed by the test results on January 6 and was discharged later.

In Chennai and Salem, two active cases were reported. Both children are stable, according to health officials.

In Nagpur, two cases involving a seven-year-old and a 13-year-old were reported at Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences. The doctors initially suspected H1N1 infection, but PCR tests confirmed HMPV in both cases. They were treated through outpatient care.

The latest outbreak of HMPV was first reported in China late in December, around five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. HMPV reportedly accounts for 4 to 16 per cent of acute respiratory infections in the world.

Former WHO Chief Scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan said HMPV is a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild. In order to avoid getting infected, people are advised to take normal precautions like wearing mask, washing hands, avoiding crowds and consult a doctor.