The third case of the HMPV virus was found in Maharashtra on Wednesday. A 6-month-old girl was found infected in Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, Mumbai. The girl was admitted to the hospital on January 1 due to severe cough, chest tightness and oxygen level falling to 84%. However, she has now recovered.
This is the first case of this virus in Mumbai. On Tuesday, 2 cases were reported in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Here a 13-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy were found infected. However, they did not have to be admitted to the hospital. Their condition is under control after treatment.
The total number of cases in the country has increased to 9. A day before two cases were found in Maharashtra, a total of 6 cases of the virus were reported, including 2 each in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and one each in West Bengal and Gujarat. Most of them are children.
When infected with HMPV, patients show symptoms like cold and Covid-19. Its maximum effect is being seen on young children. Among these, children below 2 years of age are the most affected. The Centre has advised states to enhance surveillance of respiratory illnesses such as 'influenza-like illness' and 'severe acute respiratory issues' and spread awareness about HMPV.
Centre steps up vigil
The Union Health Ministry has urged states and union territories to enhance surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a virtual meeting with state officials and health experts, focusing on preventive measures and public health management.
States have been directed to increase awareness about simple preventive practices, such as maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, and practising respiratory etiquette. While no unusual rise in ILI or SARI cases has been observed, health authorities remain cautious, especially in light of a surge in HMPV cases in China. With adequate diagnostic facilities available through ICMR laboratories, India’s health systems are prepared to handle any potential rise during the winter months.
Isolation wards created in Gujarat
Meanwhile,, Ahmedabad and Rajkot civil hospitals as a precautionary measure after Gujarat registered its first case of HMPV.
In Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) of which two cases have been detected in the state is not dangerous, but it is good to take precautions. He told people there is no need to worry, but appealed to them to be cautious.
Prakash Kumar Pandey
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