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HMPV poses a greater risk for serious illness in kids: Report

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ET OnlineLast Updated: Jan 06, 2025, 05:28:00 PM IST

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Synopsis

India’s Health Ministry confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, detected through routine surveillance. A 3-month-old female and 8-month-old male infant, both diagnosed with HMPV after bronchopneumonia, are recovering. HMPV, which poses a higher risk to young children, spreads through direct contact and contaminated surfaces.

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India’s health ministry on Monday confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. In addition to this, one more case was reported in Gujarat, taking the total number of cases in India to three.

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The health ministry said that the cases have been detected through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR's ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country.

A 3-month-old female infant was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has been since discharged. An 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is now recovering.

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It is emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries.

HMPV poses greater risk to children

Most people get HMPV before they turn 5. You can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection, says a Cleveland Clinic report. Human metapneumovirus most often causes symptoms similar to a cold, but some people can get very sick, the report says. “You’re more likely to get severely sick the first time you get HMPV, which is why young kids have a greater risk for serious illness.”

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What are the symptoms of human metapneumovirus?

As per Cleveland Clinic report, symptoms of human metapneumovirus include:

Cough
Fever
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Wheezing
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Rash

How is human metapneumovirus transmitted?

HMPV spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus. For instance:

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