On 6th January, Monday, two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reportedly detected in Bengaluru. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold. It usually causes upper respiratory infections. However, it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. HMPV infections are more common in the winter.
These cases of HMPV were reported at Baptist Hospital in north Bengaluru. These patients did not have any history of international travel as well. The eight-month-old child is receiving treatment in Bengaluru and has no travel history.
As per TOI, “A 3-month- old female infant, who 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,” the government has confirmed.
Symptoms of HMPV:
HMPV is caused by a virus that uses cells to make more copies of itself. It can get transmitted from one body to another by coughing and sneezing, shaking hands, hugging, touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, etc.
Symptoms of HMPV include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny Or Stuffy Nose
- Sore Throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness Of Breath (Dyspnea)
- Rash
HMPV prevention:
This disease can be prevented by washing hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, wearing a mask if sick and avoiding touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
In an interview, a respiratory expert at a Shanghai hospital has warned the public against blindly using antiviral drugs to fight human metapneumovirus, for which there is no vaccine but its symptoms resemble to that of common cold. The UoC report has stated that lots of fluids are required to prevent dehydration, decongestants to reduce congestion, and pain relievers like ibuprofen and other NSAIDs for body aches.