India has reported a new case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) as a young girl in Puducherry tested positive for the respiratory infection. The child, who had been suffering from fever, cough, and a runny nose, was admitted to the hospital a few days ago.
This marks the second case of HMPV in Puducherry, following the diagnosis of a three-year-old last week.
Providing an update, Puducherry’s Director of Health, V Ravichandran, said, “The child is recovering well, and all precautionary measures have been taken.”
With this latest case, India’s total number of HMPV infections has risen to 17. Gujarat leads with five cases, followed by Maharashtra and Kolkata with three each, while Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry have reported two cases each. Assam has recorded one case.
In response to the rise in cases, the central government has urged states to increase surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) to track any surge in respiratory infections. The spread of HMPV, which is considered largely benign, has also been reported in China.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the virus is already circulating globally. It spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces and mimics the symptoms of the common cold and influenza, such as cough, fever, and nasal congestion.
The World Health Organisation has warned that while HMPV generally causes mild respiratory symptoms, certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness, including infants, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or compromised immune systems.
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