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New Delhi (6 Jan) – The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, detected through routine surveillance. This comes as countries like China report a rise in HMPV cases, although Indian health authorities emphasize that there is no unusual surge in respiratory illnesses across the country.
According to ICMR, both cases were identified through ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory viral pathogens as part of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). The patients, a 3-month-old female and an 8-month-old male, were admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru with bronchopneumonia. The female infant has been discharged, while the male infant is currently recovering.
Health officials highlighted that neither child has any history of international travel, ruling out external exposure as the cause of infection.
HMPV, a respiratory virus that can cause symptoms similar to the flu, is already in circulation globally, including in India. However, data from ICMR and the IDSP indicates that there has been no spike in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases nationwide.
The Union Health Ministry reassured the public that all necessary surveillance measures are in place. “We are closely monitoring the situation through various channels. There is no cause for alarm,” an official source said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to provide updates regarding the HMPV situation in China, aiding Indian authorities in their response planning.
Recent preparedness drills have demonstrated India’s capability to handle potential outbreaks of respiratory illnesses, ensuring that public health interventions can be deployed swiftly if needed.
The Medical Bulletin
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