NEW DELHI: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is believed to have originated in China, was detected in two babies in Bengaluru on Monday.
The virus, which serves as a echo of the Covid pandemic, has alerted governments around the world, and Beijing has expressed concern about a rise in respiratory infections that has led to overcrowded hospitals and overwhelmed health systems.
The two babies, who reported having HMPV, are a three-month-old girl and a six-month-old boy. While the girl has a history of bronchopneumonia, the boy was admitted with symptoms of fever and difficulty breathing before testing positive for the virus. It should be noted that the babies have no travel history.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It usually causes infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract and has symptoms similar to those of the common cold or flu.
Delhi authorities issue advisory
Delhi health authorities on Sunday issued an advisory to ensure preparedness for possible health issues related to HMPV.
According to a statement, Dr Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services, on Sunday convened a meeting with district medical chiefs and state program officer of IDSP to discuss preparedness to tackle respiratory diseases in Delhi.
Monitoring situation of the Ministry of Health
The Union Health Ministry remains alert and continues to monitor the situation through all available surveillance channels. Additionally, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR ) will track HMPV circulation trends throughout the year.
“The flu in China is not unusual”
India is well prepared to deal with respiratory diseases and surveillance does not show an unusual increase in the country, according to the government. At a joint monitoring group (JMG) meeting chaired by DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, experts discussed in detail the spread of respiratory diseases in China, where, according to them, it is not unusual considering the current season of flu.
ICMR tests other respiratory viruses
The ICMR network also tests for other respiratory viruses like adenovirus, RSV, HMPV, etc. and these pathogens also do not show an unusual increase in the samples analyzed.
ICMR to increase laboratories
The ICMR will increase the number of laboratories testing for HMPV as part of a precautionary measure. According to the Health Ministry, the ICMR will also monitor HMPV trends throughout the year.
Robust surveillance is already in place
Influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) for influenza surveillance are already implemented in India through the ICMR and IDSP networks and data from both do not indicate an unusual increase in cases of ILI and SARI.
Andhra authorities urge not to panic
No cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in Andhra Pradesh, a health official said on Sunday, assuring the public that there is no need to panic over the virus.
Director of Public Health and Family Welfare K Padmavathi said the virus spreads from person to person, similar to Covid-19, and mainly affects children, elderly and people with weakened immunity.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the disease usually appear three to 10 days after infection and include flu-like signs such as cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, Padmavathi noted, pneumonia and bronchitis can also develop. He added that the disease tends to be more severe in children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.
Current perspective
Although HMPV contributes to the increase in respiratory infections, it is not a new virus or an imminent pandemic threat. Seasonal surges are typical, especially when populations are re-exposed to pathogens following Covid-19 lockdowns.
When to seek medical attention
According to the Cleveland Clinic, contact a healthcare provider if symptoms:
- It gets worse after a few days.
- They include difficulty breathing or cyanosis (blueish skin).
- They occur along with chronic health conditions such as asthma or COPD.