Written By: Satata Karmakar | Updated : January 6, 2025 1:15 PM IST
India Confirms Second Case of HMPV Infection, 3-Month-Old Baby With No Travel History To China Tests Positive
Second Case of HMPV In India: The Union Health Ministry on Monday confirmed the second case of the highly infectious HMPV virus in Bengaluru. As per reports, a 3-month-old female infant tested positive for human metapneumovirus after being admitted to Baptist Hospital following persistent fever and cough.
This follows the announcement by the Karnataka Health Ministry confirming the country's first case of the virus in another infant. According to the ministry, an 8-month-old male infant tested positive for HMPV after being admitted to Bengaluru's Baptist Hospital.
"It is important to note that neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel," the Ministry said, adding that the country is closely monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels.
"ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures," the Union Health Ministry said in a statement.
Talking about whether India is ready for another pandemic, the ministry asserts that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed.
Human metapneumovirus also known as HMPV, is a respiratory virus that was first detected in 2001. Known for causing serious pneumonia-like symptoms, this virus can wreak havoc inside the respiratory organs. Study shows, that after entering the human body, the virus targets the respiratory system. The virus first attaches to the cells lining the respiratory tract, particularly in the nose and throat, using surface proteins. Slowly after that it begins replicating, triggering an immune response.
In severe cases, the virus spreads to the lower respiratory tract, including the bronchi and lungs. This can lead to more serious conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
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