2 HMPV cases detected in children in Nagpur, total cases rise to 7

Two new cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in children in Maharashtra’s Nagpur.

With the latest two cases in Nagpur, the total number of cases of HMPV in India this season has risen to seven.

Beside Bengaluru, two HMPV cases have been reported in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu each and one in Gujarat.

China is currently witnessing an outbreak of HMPV, which has led to concerns in some quarters abroad. However, health authorities and experts have said that HMPV is not a new virus and outbreaks occur every year during winter season. Children and elderly are more vulnerable to the virus.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has said that HMPV is not a new virus and there is no cause of concern at the moment. He also said the virus is not going to cause a Covid-like outbreak.

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“HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001, and it has been circulating around the world for many years…WHO has taken cognisance of the situation and will share its report shortly with us,” said Nadda, as per The Times of India.

In Nagpur, the HMPV has been detected in a seven-year-old and a 14-year-old, according to India Today.

In a case in Bengaluru, both HMPV and respiratory syncytial virus were detected in an eight-month-old, according to ToI, which reported health officials as saying that the child was recovering and would be discharged soon.

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‘There’s no need to worry’

Rejecting fears that HMPV may cause a widespread outbreak as some quarters are comparing it to the coronavirus that emerged in China in 2019, Union Health Minister Nadda said it is a well-known virus that has seasonal outbreaks every year.

“The virus spreads more during winter and early spring months. Our health systems and surveillance networks 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,” said Nadda.

Speaking on a similar note, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “HMPV has existed for a long time and typically causes common symptoms like cold, flu, and cough. Referring to any recent case as the ‘first’ is misleading. I don’t think we should be pressing the panic button.”

Separately, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Supriya Sahu said the HMPV infections are “self-limiting and resolve with symptomatic care, including adequate hydration and rest”. The state has two cases so far.

What is HMPV?

The HMPV stands for human metapneumovirus. It is a respiratory virus from the family of viruses called pneumoviridae.

The HMPV was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001 but studies have shown that it has been in circulation since at least 1950s.

The HMPV infection is very common. The WebMD reports that research has shown that most people get infected at least once before the age of five. Among children, the research says as many as 10 per cent of all respiratory infections are from HMPV.

The following age groups are more vulnerable to HMPV: newborns, children up to five years of age, people over 65, people with asthma who use steroids, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), people with a weakened immune system due to conditions like cancer, HIV, or organ transplant.

Like all viruses, and respiratory viruses in particular, the HMPV spreads from people to people. It spreads via droplets just like flu or other respiratory viruses spread. The symptoms usually include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, pneumonia, severe bronchitis, and shortness of breath may be reported.