Two cases of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in Bengaluru after an eight-month-old and a three-month-old child tested positive for the same, amid a surge in such cases in China.
The children were admitted to hospitals for treatment, after which the three-month-old was discharged.According to the details, the children do not have any travel history.
The cases were confirmed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) through routine surveillance
The case of the eight-month-old child was confirmed by the Karnataka Health Department, which said medical tests of the child turned out to be positive.
The case was conveyed to the Union Health Ministry, the Department said.
It was not clear whether this was the same strain of HMPV causing a spike in China.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Health Minister called for an emergency meeting with Health Ministry officials today over the cases.
On January 4, China reportedly downplayed the concern over the rising HMPV cases by calling it “annual seasonal reoccurrence”.While confirming the surge in cases, a Chinese foreign ministry official blamed it on the “winter season”. He assured tourists and citizens that it is safe to travel in the country.
A day earlier, on January 3, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in India said it was closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country and is in touch with international agencies in the wake of the recent reports of the HMPV outbreak in China.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and validate information and developments accordingly,” a senior official was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.
Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Atul Goel said the Human Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes common cold, and it could cause flu-like symptoms in the young and the very old.
