2 Infants Test Positive for HMPV in Bengaluru: Key Details and Precautions

Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in Bengaluru, involving a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy. The virus, which causes symptoms similar to the common cold, spreads through contact and affects children, the elderly, and those with weak immunity. Health authorities assure preparedness and urge the public to follow respiratory hygiene and precautionary measures.

CONTENTS:

Two Cases of HMPV Virus Detected in Karnataka: Health Ministry Confirms

HMPV Cases Detected in Bengaluru: Two Infants Test Positive

Bengaluru Reports Two Suspected Cases of HMPV in Infants

2 Infants Test Positive for HMPV in Bengaluru: Key Details and Precautions

Two Cases of HMPV Virus Detected in Karnataka: Health Ministry Confirms

2 Infants Test Positive for HMPV in Bengaluru: Key The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, according to ANI. These infections were detected as part of the ICMR’s routine surveillance for respiratory viruses, which is part of its broader efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across India, as stated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Bengaluru Reports Two Suspected Cases of HMPV in Infants

2 Infants Test Positive for HMPV in Bengaluru: Key Health officials in Bengaluru have flagged two suspected cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in infants with no travel history. While the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has reported these cases, official confirmation from the state health department is awaited.

Details of the Cases:

• A three-month-old baby girl, previously admitted to Baptist Hospital with bronchopneumonia, was diagnosed with HMPV. She has since been discharged.
• An eight-month-old baby boy, admitted to the same hospital with fever and breathlessness on January 2, also tested positive for the virus.

BBMP Health Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore commented, “The hospital detected the infection, but further tests are underway to confirm the viral load.”

Testing and Health Measures:
Multiplex PCR testing revealed microbial RNA/DNA consistent with HMPV in one of the infants, according to medical reports accessed by The Times of India. A senior official from the Health and Family Welfare Department noted that multiple respiratory viruses are circulating in the city, and further tests are being conducted to confirm the presence of HMPV. Once confirmed, health protocols, enhanced testing, and control measures will be implemented.

HMPV Cases Detected in Bengaluru: Two Infants Test Positive

2 Infants Test Positive for HMPV in Bengaluru: Key The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. Both cases were reported at Bengaluru’s Baptist Hospital, involving a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy.

Detection and Surveillance:
The cases were uncovered as part of ICMR’s routine surveillance for respiratory viruses, which is part of its broader efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses nationwide, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Government’s Preparedness:
The Union Health Ministry has assured that India is well-equipped to manage respiratory illnesses, with no unusual spike in cases observed through current surveillance mechanisms.

A joint monitoring group meeting was held on Saturday to discuss the global rise in respiratory illnesses, including the situation in China. The ministry noted that the rise in cases there is primarily due to influenza, RSV, and HMPV, typical during flu season. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been requested to provide timely updates.

What is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) causes symptoms resembling the common cold, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. While most cases are mild, children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible. Studies suggest that most people contract the virus before age five.

Transmission and Prevention:
HMPV spreads through person-to-person contact or contaminated surfaces. Discovered in 2001, it is now recognized as a significant cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), emphasized that HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses and typically results in flu-like symptoms. He advised the public to practice respiratory hygiene, avoid contact with others when symptomatic, and use common cold and fever medications as needed.