After Karnataka and Gujarat, two children tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Chennai on Monday. Providing the update, a senior health official said that the children were undergoing treatment.
The two cases have been reported in the city from two different hospitals, marking the first reported cases in Tamil Nadu. Earlier, a child was tested positive in Ahmedabad and two children in Bengaluru. The ICMR detected these cases through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.
A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the Union Home Ministry said. An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, it said. It is important to note that neither of the patients have any history of international travel, the ministry underlined.
In Gujarat, HMPV was detected in a child who is about 2 years old. The patient was admitted to a private hospital in the Chandkheda area of Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said the health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus, it was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world for many years. HMPV spreads through the air, by way of respiration, he added.
"A joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Director General for Health Services on 4th January to review the situation. The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)
