HMPV In Maharashtra: Two Children Test Positive For HMPV In Nagpur
HMPV In Maharashtra: Two Children Test Positive For HMPV In Nagpur ( Representative Image )
Nagpur has reported two new cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), bringing the total number of infections in India to seven. Two children, aged seven and 14, were admitted to a private hospital in the city’s Ramdaspeth area on January 3 with symptoms of fever and cough. Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of HMPV, a respiratory virus that affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts, causing symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and sore throat.
The Maharashtra health department has issued an alert, urging people with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) symptoms to exercise caution. Authorities have assured the public that guidelines on prevention and management of the virus will be issued soon.
HMPV infections have also been reported in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Despite the rise in cases, Union Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized that HMPV is not a new virus and has been globally recognized since its discovery in 2001. He reassured citizens that the Centre is actively monitoring the situation and implementing necessary safeguards.
Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra reviewed the situation, noting no significant surge in respiratory illnesses but urging states to enhance awareness and surveillance. HMPV was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, with sporadic cases previously recorded in India.
