Karnataka Confirms Two Cases of Human Metapneumovirus: Health Minister Urges Calm
Karnataka has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus commonly found globally. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have assured the public that there is no reason to panic, as the affected infants are stable and recovering well.
Key Highlights:
Minister’s Statement on HMPV
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasised that HMPV is not a new or unknown virus and is similar to the flu, causing respiratory issues in certain individuals. He assured the public that the government is monitoring the situation closely.
“This is not something unknown or new. HMPV is a flu virus that causes respiratory problems and colds in some people. The child with HMPV symptoms is normal and will be discharged soon. There is no need to panic,” said Rao.
Rao further clarified that the affected child has no history of international travel, making the cases local and unrelated to any foreign outbreaks.
CM Siddaramaiah’s Assurance
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also addressed the situation, confirming that two cases have been reported. He stated that the government is taking all necessary precautions and working closely with health officials and the ICMR to document and manage the situation.
Details of Reported Cases
The two confirmed cases were identified through the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) surveillance efforts:
- Case 1: A 3-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia, admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, has fully recovered and been discharged.
- Case 2: An 8-month-old male infant, also with a history of bronchopneumonia, is recovering and stable after testing positive for HMPV.
ICMR and WHO Monitoring
The ICMR stated that the cases were detected as part of routine surveillance for respiratory illnesses and confirmed that there has been no unusual surge in influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to provide updates on global HMPV trends, including the situation in China.
What is Human Metapneumovirus?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus known to cause upper respiratory infections. It is already circulating globally, including in India, and is associated with common flu-like symptoms.
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