Mon Jan 06 22:35:36 UTC 2025: ## India Confirms First Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Cases
**New Delhi, India** – India has confirmed its first cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus similar to RSV. Three cases have been reported in children under two years old – two in Karnataka and one in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. While HMPV is not new and typically causes mild symptoms, health officials are urging vigilance following a surge in cases in China and Malaysia.
Dr. Rohan Krishnan, former president of the FAIMA Doctors Association, explained that HMPV spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms mimic those of other respiratory viruses, including cough, cold, fever, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Most cases occur in children under five.
Dr. Krishnan emphasized that while HMPV is not as dangerous as COVID-19, parents should be aware of symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if their child experiences high fever (over 103°F/40°C), breathing difficulties, or cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nails). Testing involves a nasal or throat swab, similar to COVID-19 testing.
Although HMPV cases represent a small percentage (0.8%) of common flu cases, the recent reports highlight the need for preventative measures. Dr. Krishnan stressed that while panic is unwarranted, standard hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching the face should be observed. The lack of travel history in the affected children suggests the virus is already present within India.
First Piper 