New Delhi — Indian officials confirm the country’s first case of human metapneumovirus (HMPVAs of Tuesday, seven people have been infected with the virus, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Two HMPV infections were reported in the central Indian city of Nagpur on Tuesday, two in Bengaluru city and one each in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Salem on Monday. The cases include a three-month-old girl who tested positive for HMPV on Monday. Another case involved an eight-month-old boy who tested positive for HMPV and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory tract disease in all age groups. Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of severe illness from the virus. According to the CDC, common symptoms associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
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HMPV infection is Reported surge in ChinaThere is interest from around the world, but Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno, director of infection prevention and control at Children’s Medical Center in Plano, Texas, told CBS News this week that there is no concern about a potential new epidemic.
“This has been circulating for a while, so people have some immunity,” she said, adding that the virus is fairly stable and unlike previous viruses. Coronavirus disease Viruses often mutate, making them harder to fight.
India’s federal government on Monday asked states to step up surveillance of respiratory diseases and create awareness on how to prevent the spread of HMPV. Preventive measures include covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, washing hands frequently, and wearing a mask in crowded places.
“Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus; it was first discovered in 2001 and has been spreading around the world for many years,” Indian Health Minister JP Nadda said on Monday. “The country’s health system and surveillance network remain vigilant , there is no reason to worry.”
Nadda said that the infected persons in India had no recent travel history and that the government was “closely monitoring the situation in China and neighboring countries.”
The health ministry also said there is “no cause for concern” about HMPV infection as the country has not seen an unusual surge in the respiratory disease, noting that India is well prepared to deal with any surge.
“Viral infection is usually a mild, self-limiting illness and most cases recover spontaneously,” the health ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
Health agencies such as the United Nations World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not expressed any concern about HMPV infections in Asia.
Sara Moniuszko contributed to this report.
