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HMPV cases in India: Two children have tested positive for human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and are currently undergoing treatment in Chennai, a health official said on Monday. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to five. Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured the public that health officials are closely monitoring the situation, especially in view of the rising cases of HMPV in China and other neighboring countries.
“On recent reports regarding cases of hMPV in China, the Health Ministry, ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and the National Center for Disease Control are keeping a close watch on the situation in China as well as neighboring countries. ,” Nadda said.
India detected five cases of HMPV on Monday, January 6 alone. Two of the five cases were detected in Karnataka through routine surveillance of multiple respiratory viral pathogens by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Later two more cases were reported in Chennai. A case came to light in Ahmedabad.
Minister Nadda said there is “no reason to worry”, stressing that India’s health systems and surveillance networks are alert and prepared to deal with any emerging health challenges.
Nadda clarified that HMPV is not a new virus; It was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating globally for several years. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, primarily affecting individuals of all age groups, with an increase in transmission seen during the winter and early spring months.
The Health Ministry, along with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Center for Disease Control, is actively reviewing data on respiratory viruses and there has been no significant increase in common viral pathogens within India.
The Union Health Minister confirmed that a joint monitoring group meeting was held on January 4 to assess the current health scenario. Nadda said that while HMPV can cause respiratory illnesses similar to COVID-19, there is no need to panic. Symptoms of HMPV include fever, cough, nasal congestion and shortness of breath – similar to those experienced during COVID-19 infection.
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