06 January 2025 | 15:43

Cases of human metapneumovirus infection detected in India

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Tengrinews.kz - The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in the state of Karnataka, according to Hindustan Times.

According to the Indian Health Ministry, both cases are related to bronchopneumonia (a disease that combines the symptoms and signs of bronchitis and pneumonia - ed.).

According to the ministry, two hospitalized infants were diagnosed with metapneumovirus. A three-month-old girl with a history of bronchopneumonia was discharged after treatment, and an eight-month-old boy is still undergoing treatment.

As noted by the ministry, none of the patients had traveled outside the country. The Indian Health Ministry emphasized that the HMPV virus is actively circulating around the world, including India.

However, according to the ICMR and the Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), no significant increase in the number of cases of acute respiratory diseases has been recorded in the country. The ministry continues to monitor the situation and tracks the spread of the virus throughout the year.

To manage possible outbreaks of respiratory diseases, India conducts regular drills, which the ministry says enables the country to be prepared for a rise in the number of diseases and respond effectively to any threats.

In addition, as reported by the 24.kg portal, two cases of metapneumovirus have been identified in Kyrgyzstan. According to the country's Ministry of Health, acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) are currently prevalent in the republic.

"From October to December (from the 40th to the 52nd week) of 2024, 1144 samples were collected from patients, of which: rhinovirus - 210, respiratory sensitive virus - 259, adenovirus - 105, bocavirus - 79, parainfluenza (I, II, III, IV types) - 98 and metapneumovirus - 2 cases," the department said in a statement.

Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that typically causes flu-like symptoms, ranging from mild to moderate in severity. It is most often transmitted through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces. The main symptoms include cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever and, in more severe cases, difficulty breathing and pneumonia.

Earlier, The Ministry of Healthcare of Kazakhstan commented on media reports about the spread of metapneumovirus in the world, which is an acute respiratory viral infection.

health Healthcare patients infection virus India Kyrgyzstan