Bengaluru: The state health department confirmed on Monday that India has detected the first case of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is currently causing an outbreak in China, in an 8-month-old baby in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The baby, who has no travel history, is being treated at a private hospital. A blood test confirmed the HMPV infection.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao is also expected to hold an emergency meeting with health department officials today at 12.30 pm to discuss precautionary measures.

This comes after reports emerged of an HMPV outbreak in China. The Chinese government has, however, dismissed it as an annual winter occurrence.

Health department sources expressed concern about the development and are gathering information on the virus’s spread across the state.

However, officials emphasised that there is no need to panic about the HMPV infection. Although the virus may already be present in India, it has not mutated yet.

Health department authorities stated that they are also “uncertain if the virus detected in Bengaluru is a general strain of HMPV or the mutated version reported in China”.

The state health department has shared details of the detection with the Union Health Ministry and is in regular contact with central officials.

On Sunday, the Karnataka government issued an advisory detailing the do’s and don’ts regarding the threat posed by the spread of HMPV.

“Currently, there is no need to panic regarding the spread of HMPV. The Health Department is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the Director of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,” it said.

“HMPV is like any other respiratory virus, causing common cold and flu-like symptoms during the winter season, especially among younger and older age groups,” it added.

The Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare has also analysed data on respiratory infections such as the common cold, ILI (Influenza-Like Illness), and SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infections) within the state. It reported no significant increase in cases in December 2024 compared to the previous year.

The department urged citizens to follow the recommended precautions to protect themselves and prevent spreading infections.

People are advised to cover their mouth and nose with handkerchiefs and tissue paper while coughing or sneezing; wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser; avoid crowded places; and stay away from public places while having a fever, cough, or sneezing.

Adequate ventilation with outdoor air is recommended in all settings to reduce the transmission. If sick, people are advised to stay at home and limit contact with others. They are also advised to drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.

People are advised not to reuse tissue paper and handkerchiefs, make close contact with sick persons, share towels, linen, etc., frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth, spit in public places, and self-medication without consulting a physician.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–IANS
Photo: For Representation