Two suspected cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) disease in India have been detected at a private hospital in Bengaluru. An emergency meeting is being held by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao with department officials on Monday, January 6, to discuss precautionary measures. The first case to be diagnosed was that of a 3-month-old infant undergoing bronchopneumonia at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He has been discharged after recovery, while an 8-month-old infant, also with bronchopneumonia, who tested positive on January 3, is currently recovering. Neither of the affected patients had any history of international travel.
On Sunday, January 5, the state government had released a statement saying that no case of HMPV was reported in Karnataka.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare Services also released an advisory and dos and don'ts regarding the virus threat. “Currently, there is no need to panic regarding the spread of HMPV, and the Health Department is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,” the release stated.
“With recent reports in the media about the spread of HMPV disease in China, the government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, issued a statement on Jan 4 that HMPV is like any other respiratory virus that causes a common cold and flu-like symptoms during the winter season, especially among the younger and older age groups,” the Department stated.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare in Karnataka has analysed the data of prevailing respiratory infections like the common cold, ILI, and SARI within the state, and there is no significant increase in the reported number of cases in December 2024 compared to the previous year, the release underlined.
It also urged citizens to follow dos and don’ts to protect themselves and prevent the spread of infections.
People are advised to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper while coughing or sneezing; wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser; avoid crowded places; stay away from public places while having a fever, cough, or sneezing.
Adequate ventilation with outdoor air is recommended in all settings to reduce the transmission. People are also advised to stay at home and limit contact with others if they are sick, and it’s also been advised to drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.
The people are advised not to reuse tissue paper and handkerchiefs; close contact with sick persons; sharing of towels, linen, etc.; frequent touching of eyes, nose, and mouth; spitting in public places; and self-medication without consulting the physician.
(With inputs from IANS)