India Confirms Two Cases Of HMPV Metapneumovirus Infection

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - India's Ministry of Health on Monday confirmed two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in the state of Karnataka, and both cases of infection occurred in infants without a history of travel.

"The Indian Medical Research Council (ICMR) has detected two cases ofHuman Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for several respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ongoing ICMR efforts to monitor respiratory diseases across the country," the ministry said. the ministry was reported by ANTARA from Sputnik-OANA, Monday, January 6.

Two cases of HMPV were reported in Bengaluru, a 3-month-old girl with abronkopneumonia, has now been discharged, and an 8-month-old boy, who was diagnosed on January 3 and is currently recovering, the ministry explained.

"It is important to note that none of the affected patients have an international travel history," he added.

Meanwhile, India's capital region issued guidelines to ensure readiness to face potential health problems related to HMPV and other respiratory viruses, the PTI news agency reported.

As part of these guidelines, the hospital has been instructed to immediately report cases of flu-like diseases and severe acute respiratory tract infections through the Integrated Health Information Platform, according to the PTI report.

It also states that strict isolation protocols and the use of universal precautions have been mandatory for suspected cases.

"In addition, clinics have been instructed to provide paracetamol, antihistamins, respiratory roofing medicines, cough drug tips for mild cases, and oxygen cylinders," the report said.

Metapneumovirus can cause symptoms such as runny nose, cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory problems. There is no specific treatment for HMPV infection; the treatment of the infection usually involves cure of symptoms.

Prevention measures include washing hands regularly and thoroughly with soap, especially after visiting public places and before eating, to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of the virus.