HMPV Cases Detected in Bengaluru Amid Global Concerns of outbreak
Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus linked to recent spikes in illnesses in China, were confirmed in Bengaluru, Karnataka, earlier this week. An eight-month-old child tested positive for the virus at a private hospital, and another case was reported at Baptist Hospital in north Bengaluru. Both patients had no history of international travel, raising concerns about local transmission. The Karnataka Health Department confirmed the diagnosis, while the Union Health Ministry acknowledged the reports without contesting the authenticity of the tests conducted by the private hospital.
HMPV, a virus that causes respiratory illnesses similar to COVID-19, is known to affect individuals of all ages, but is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically appear three to ten days after exposure and resemble flu-like conditions, including cough, sore throat, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, pneumonia and bronchitis can develop. Experts warn that children and the elderly are at heightened risk for more severe manifestations of the disease.
The discovery of HMPV cases in Bengaluru coincides with reports of a broader outbreak in China, which has raised alarms globally. However, India’s Ministry of Health has assured the public that the surge in cases is consistent with seasonal respiratory illnesses like influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which typically circulate during flu season. The government has been closely monitoring the situation, with the World Health Organization (WHO) also requested to provide timely updates about the outbreak in China.
In response to the detected cases, state health authorities in India have issued precautionary advisories. Delhi’s health department has mandated strict isolation protocols for suspected cases, emphasizing universal precautions such as wearing masks and maintaining hand hygiene. The state has also ensured that hospitals are equipped with necessary medications, including paracetamol and oxygen support for severe cases. Kerala’s health minister has advised at-risk groups, including the elderly and pregnant women, to wear masks and avoid crowded places, although no cause for panic has been identified.
Meanwhile, health officials in Andhra Pradesh have urged the public to practice basic hygiene, such as washing hands regularly for 20 seconds and covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing. There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for HMPV, and affected individuals are being treated with supportive care, particularly in government hospitals. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is set to increase testing and surveillance of HMPV cases throughout the year to track the virus’s spread.
While the situation in Bengaluru remains under control for now, health authorities across India are being vigilant, reinforcing public health measures to mitigate the virus’s transmission. The government continues to monitor the global situation closely, with heightened awareness of potential risks from the HMPV outbreak in China.