Two babies detected with HMPV in Bengaluru hospital but there was no international travel history

Bronchopneumonia, also known as bronchial pneumonia, is a type of pneumonia that involves inflammation of both the bronchi and the alveoli (the tiny air sacs) in the lungs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, sweating and chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite.

HMPV typically causes 

--- symptoms resembling a common cold, such as cough, wheezing, runny nose, or sore throat. However, in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, the virus can lead to severe respiratory complications, requiring prompt medical attention.

Two babies detected with HMPV in Bengaluru hospital, no international travel history

Two babies, a three-month-old and an eight-month-old, have been detected with HMPV in Bengaluru. Both the infants had a history of bronchial pneumonia and had not travelled globally.  

An eight-month-old boy and a three-month-old girl have been detected with HMPV in Bengaluru's Baptist Hospital. 

The patients did not have any history of international travel. The central government clarified that HMPV cases are already in circulation globally, including in India, and urged people not to panic.

The three-month-old, who was diagnosed with HMPV, had a history of bronchopneumonia. 

She has since been discharged. The eight-month-old tested positive for the virus on Sunday and also had a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is recovering. 

According to the Union Health Ministry, the two HMPV cases in Bengaluru were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of the ICMR's ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country.

The HMPV, or human metapneumovirus, is usually detected in children under the age of 11. About 0.7 per cent of all flu samples are HMPV.

On the cases in Bengaluru, the Union Health Ministry said there had been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country, based on current data from the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network.  

Karnataka Health Commissioner Harsha Gupta said it was not unusual that HMPV was detected in the babies and urged people not to panic.

"In the past, we have identified cases related to HMPV in many patients. There is nothing alarming about this and there is no need for anyone to panic. If there are any new strains of HMPV, ICMR will send us directives or updated guidelines. 

So far, no specific protocols have been issued for this. There is no travel history associated with the babies. As of now, there is nothing to worry about regarding this virus," he said.

The Union Health Ministry said it was monitoring the situation in China, which is witnessing a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses, with HMPV emerging as a significant concern, through all available surveillance channels. 

Last month, Chinese authorities reportedly initiated a pilot monitoring system to track winter illnesses, including cases of pneumonia with unknown origins.

"ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures," the Union Health Ministry said.  

According to the central government, HMPV cases have been reported in India in the past.

Earlier, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said the state was closely monitoring the situation and that it was ready to deal with HMPV cases in case of an outbreak.

ends