HMPV in India: Another suspected case detected in Gujarat after two infants test positive in Bengaluru

Hours after two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases were confirmed in Bengaluru, Karnataka, a third suspected case was detected in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, according to local media.

A two-month-old baby at a private hospital in Chandkheda has reportedly tested positive for HMPV, reported Gujarat Samachar. 

Mint couldn't independently confirm the news.

HMPV in India: Suspected case detected in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

According to Gujarat Samachar, a two-month-old baby at a private hospital in Chandkheda is reported to have tested positive for HMPV. However, there has been no official confirmation so far.

HMPV virus in India: Two cases confirmed in Bengaluru, Karnataka

Amid concerns about the HMPV spread in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two HMPV cases in Karnataka.

These cases were detected through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, PTI cited Union Health Ministry's statement on Monday.

Both detected HMPV cases are in children. Experts have identified children and senior citizens as the most vulnerable age groups to the virus. 

A three-month-old girl with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. The child is out of danger and has already been discharged, the ministry said in its statement.

The second HMPV case is in an eight-month-old boy. The child also had a history of bronchopneumonia, and he tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, it said.

Are the HMPV cases linked to the virus outbreak in China?

The HMPV cases confirmed in Karnataka are not linked to the virus outbreak in China, as the patients have no history of international travel, reported PTI, citing the ministry's statement.

HMPV cases detected in India: Is it a cause for concern?

HMPV, which causes respiratory illnesses, is not a new virus. It was identified in the early 2000s.

Based on the current data from the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.