India reports first HMPV cases; 5 infants test +ve in K'taka, TN, Guj

HEALTH MINISTER NADDA SAYS CLOSELY MONITORING SITUATION

- 

Five infants in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat were confirmed to have contracted the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) on Monday, marking the first documented cases of the virus in India. Union Health Minister J P Nadda reassured the public, stating that the government is carefully monitoring the situation and there is no cause for alarm.

HMPV is a respiratory virus known worldwide, recently drawing attention due to an outbreak in China. The virus can cause respiratory infections across all age groups.

While the Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra governments assured that there was no cause for alarm, the Delhi government directed all

Hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared to manage a potential surge in respiratory illnesses, with former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal urging the Centre to act swiftly to prevent a potential health crisis.

Two cases were detected in Karnataka by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.

A three-month-old girl with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the health ministry said.