Nagpur Reports Two HMPV Cases in Children: Here’s What the Health Minister Has to Say
Nagpur, India: Two children, aged 7 and 13, from Nagpur, have been detected with the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus known to cause infections, primarily mild. Their samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation. The District Collector is expected to provide further updates soon.
About HMPV
HMPV, first identified in 2001, has been circulating globally and in India for many years. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can affect people of all ages with low immunity. According to the Union Health Ministry, none of the recent cases in India have any travel history, and all patients are recovering well.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda assured the public that concern is unnecessary. "HMPV is not new and has been part of global respiratory illness patterns for decades. Our health systems are vigilant, and the surveillance networks are actively monitoring the situation," he said.
Experts Provide Clarity
Health experts have emphasized that HMPV should not be compared to the coronavirus pandemic. Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist at WHO, stated that HMPV primarily causes mild respiratory infections. She encouraged standard precautions like wearing masks, handwashing, and avoiding crowded places to prevent its spread.
Dr. Neeraj Nischal of AIIMS Delhi added that most children develop immunity to HMPV by the age of 10. "The virus has been circulating since at least the 1950s. It's manageable with existing health practices," he said.
HMPV in Other States
In addition to Nagpur, HMPV cases have been detected in infants in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. These cases were identified through routine surveillance, and none of the patients had any travel history.
Precautionary Measures
The health departments of Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka have issued guidelines for preventing the spread of HMPV. The central government is monitoring the situation closely, while the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) continues to track trends in respiratory illnesses.
Residents in Nagpur are advised to stay calm, follow health guidelines, and consult medical professionals if symptoms arise. With health systems actively responding, officials emphasize that the situation is under control and there is no reason for panic.
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