Three cases of respiratory distress linked to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been identified in India, with two cases in Bengaluru and one in Ahmedabad. These cases come at a time when China is experiencing a surge in infections caused by the same virus.

In Bengaluru, two infants—a three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy—tested positive for HMPV. Neither child had a history of international travel, according to health authorities. The girl has been discharged after recovering, while the boy, diagnosed on Sunday, is still receiving care but is expected to recover soon. Both children had a history of bronchopneumonia, a type of pneumonia involving inflammation in the lungs' bronchi and alveoli.

The Ahmedabad case involves a two-month-old infant from Rajasthan's Dungarpur district who is undergoing treatment in a private hospital. The baby is reportedly in stable condition.

Government Response and Public Assurance

The Indian government has emphasized that HMPV is not a new virus and has been in circulation both globally and within the country since its discovery in 2001 in the Netherlands. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reassured the public, stating that there is no cause for alarm. "This is an existing virus, and certain individuals, particularly those with respiratory vulnerabilities, may be affected," he said. He added that the state government is in communication with medical officers, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the central government to monitor the situation.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also addressed the issue, affirming that the state government is taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of HMPV. "The health department is closely monitoring the situation, and all required measures will be implemented promptly," he stated.

Understanding HMPV and Its Impact

HMPV primarily causes symptoms similar to a common cold, such as coughing, wheezing, runny nose, and sore throat. However, in vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, the virus can result in severe respiratory complications.

Globally, HMPV is frequently detected in children under the age of 11. It is estimated to account for about 0.7% of all flu cases. In India, routine surveillance programs by ICMR identified the cases in Bengaluru as part of their efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country.

Monitoring and Preparedness

The Union Health Ministry has stated that there has been no significant increase in cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) in India. Surveillance data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) suggest that current trends are within normal ranges.

The Ministry also highlighted the recent preparedness drills conducted nationwide, which demonstrated India's capacity to handle potential surges in respiratory illnesses. Additionally, the government is closely monitoring the rise in HMPV cases in China, where authorities have initiated a tracking system for winter illnesses, including unknown-origin pneumonia cases.

"ICMR will continue to track HMPV trends year-round," the Ministry assured, adding that the World Health Organization (WHO) is providing regular updates on the situation in China to inform global health measures.