HMPV Virus Cases Live Updates: Two suspected cases of HMPV detected in Nagpur

Two suspected HMPV Virus case have been reported in Nagpur, Maharashtra, raising concerns about the virus’s spread in India.

Two suspected HMPV case reported in Nagpur

Nagpur authorities have identified two suspected cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in a 13-year-old and a 7-year-old patient, confirmed Shashikant Shambharkar, Deputy Director of Health. The initial reports from a private hospital returned positive, and both patients, who have since been treated and discharged, have their samples sent to AIIMS Nagpur for further examination.

These cases add to three previously confirmed HMPV cases in India—two in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and one in Ahmedabad, Gujarat—detected through ICMR’s respiratory illness monitoring. Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured the public that the virus, identified in 2001, poses no new threat, with the country’s health systems remaining vigilant and prepared

‘No reason to worry, closely monitoring situation’: Union health minister Nadda on HMPV cases in India

Following the detection of three Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured the public on Monday that the nation’s health systems and surveillance networks are vigilant and prepared to address any emerging health challenges.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed two HMPV cases in Karnataka and one in Gujarat, detected as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and manage respiratory illnesses nationwide.

In a video statement, Nadda reiterated that there is no cause for alarm and emphasised that the government is closely tracking the situation.

“Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world for many years. HMPV spreads through the air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months,” Nadda said.

He also noted that the Health Ministry, along with the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is monitoring developments in China and neighbouring countries.

WHO has taken cognisance of the situation and will share its report shortly with us. The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has also been reviewed and no surge in any of the common respiratory viral pathogens is observed in India. A joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Director General for Health Services on January 4 to review the situation,” Nadda added.

HMPV Virus

The Union Health Minister assured the public of the country’s preparedness, stating, “The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation.”

HMPV, a respiratory virus present globally, including in India, has been linked to respiratory illnesses. However, no unusual rise in cases has been observed in the country.

The ICMR highlighted that despite three detected cases, there has been no noticeable increase in cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) across the country.

In Karnataka, two children, a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy, were also diagnosed with HMPV.

The Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation using all available surveillance channels. The ICMR is tracking HMPV circulation trends, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) provides updates to inform public health measures globally.

Officials clarified that HMPV is a respiratory virus circulating worldwide, including in India, and is associated with respiratory illnesses. However, no unusual surge in cases has been observed in the country.

In Karnataka, two children, a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy, were also diagnosed with HMPV Virus.

The Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation using all available surveillance channels. The ICMR is tracking HMPV circulation trends, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) provides updates to inform public health measures globally.

Officials clarified that HMPV is a respiratory virus circulating worldwide, including in India, and is associated with respiratory illnesses. However, no unusual surge in cases has been observed in the country.

HMPV Virus detected in 2-month-old infant in Gujarat, health minister assures ‘Govt taking all precautions’

A 2-month-old infant from Rajasthan has tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, officials confirmed on Monday. Earlier, two infants in Bengaluru, Karnataka, were also diagnosed with HMPV infection.

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel reassured the public that there is “no need to panic,” as the state government is implementing precautionary measures akin to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The child from Rajasthan’s Dungarpur has been transferred to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for treatment.

“This (HMPV) has been detected in a 2-month-old child who came from Rajasthan’s Dungarpur to Sarwar. The child has been referred from Sarwar to Ahmedabad. We are following the dos and don’ts that were used during COVID, and SOPs will be issued by the state government,” Patel stated.

Patel also noted that while the Union government has advised states to remain vigilant, no specific advisory for HMPV has been issued. “There is no need to panic; no advisory has been issued by the central government yet, but it has been advised to stay alert. The state government is taking all necessary precautions,” he added.

Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi highlighted that the virus has been present for years, with cases often emerging during winter. “There is no need to panic. We need to remain alert and take precautions. This virus is not new; it has been there for years. Infections are more common during winter,” Dr Joshi said.

India has already detected five cases of HMPV. Two of the cases were identified in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and another case was recorded in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

After three cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in India, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public on Monday, saying that there is no cause for alarm. He emphasised that the virus, first identified in 2001, poses no new threat.

Nadda reassured the public that health systems and surveillance networks are vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any health challenges.

What to know about the HMPV Virus outbreak

Reports of a human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in parts of China have garnered global attention. HMPV, first identified in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands, is believed to have circulated among humans for many years before its discovery.

The current outbreak comes after China’s National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention announced a trial of a new reporting system to monitor pneumonia cases. During a news briefing covered by state broadcaster CCTV, health officials highlighted the presence of several common infections in China during the colder months and cautioned against over-reliance on antiviral medications to treat these illnesses

With Thanks and Reference to :https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hmpv-virus-cases-live-updates-human-metapneumovirus-china-india-symptoms-advisory-bengaluru-karnataka-maharastra-tamil-nadu-world-news-tracker/liveblog/117013891.cms and https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hnpv-detected-in-maharashtra-2-suspected-cases-of-human-metapneumovirus-found-in-nagpur-101736226811003.html