Chandigarh, January 6, 2025 : The HMPV virus, which has caused havoc in China, has now made its way to India. A case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been reported in an 8-month-old baby at a private hospital in Bengaluru.
Surprisingly, the baby has no travel history. Tests conducted in the hospital’s laboratory confirmed the presence of the HMPV virus. Karnataka’s health department has informed the central government about this case. The Karnataka health department may wait for further guidelines from the ICMR and the Union Health Ministry. However, it is still unclear whether this is the same strain of HMPV that has been spreading cases in China.
It is important to note that HMPV primarily targets children and the elderly. In China as well, this virus has mostly been found in children. Its symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19, including cold and cough.
What is HMPV?
The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), also referred to as HMPV, is a type of common respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages. However, it is more likely to affect children and the elderly. If you come into contact with someone infected by the virus, you are at risk of being infected as well. Common symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, cough, fever, or cold-like symptoms.
Kerala and Telangana Monitoring the Situation
In India, the first cases of the coronavirus were reported in Kerala. The governments of Kerala and Telangana stated on Saturday that they are closely monitoring reports of widespread viral fever and respiratory infections in China.
Summary: HMPV is a respiratory virus affecting all ages, especially children and the elderly. Kerala and Telangana are monitoring reports of viral infections spreading in China.