HMPV Virus: 8-Month-Old Baby Becomes India’s First Case of HMPV In Bengaluru

India has confirmed its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in an 8-month-old baby from Bengaluru, Karnataka. The state health department confirmed the detection of the virus, which is currently causing an outbreak in China.

The baby, who has no travel history, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital, with the infection confirmed via a blood test.

HMPV Virus: Health Minister To Hold Emergency Meeting

Karnataka’s Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has called for an emergency meeting today at 12:30 pm with health department officials to discuss precautionary measures and address concerns surrounding the virus’s spread.

This meeting comes as health experts and officials raise alarms over the detection of HMPV, which has been linked to an outbreak in China. However, the Chinese government has dismissed the outbreak as a regular winter occurrence.

Precautionary Measures

While the state health department expressed concerns about the virus’s spread, it has reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for panic. Although the virus may have been circulating in India already, there is no clear evidence of mutation, and officials are still uncertain if the strain detected in Bengaluru is a general or mutated version, similar to the one reported in China.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with the Karnataka health department regularly coordinating with the Union Health Ministry and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to stay updated. As of now, there has been no significant surge in respiratory infections in the state, and the health department urges citizens to follow standard precautionary measures.

Advisory On HMPV Prevention

In response to the first case of HMPV in the state, the Karnataka government issued a comprehensive advisory on Sunday, urging people to take preventive actions. The advisory emphasized that HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, typically causing common cold and flu-like symptoms, especially in younger and older age groups.

The advisory also stressed avoiding risky behaviours such as reusing tissue paper, close contact with sick persons, and touching the eyes, nose, and mouth frequently. Additionally, people are warned against spitting in public places or self-medicating without consulting a doctor.

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