New Delhi — India's health officials have confirmed the nation's inaugural cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), with a total of seven infections reported as of Tuesday, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other sources. The first cases emerged in the cities of Nagpur and Bengaluru, as well as Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Salem, pointing to a broader spread of the virus across the country. Notably, one case was a three-month-old girl, highlighting that the virus affects individuals across various age groups.

HMPV, which is known to cause upper and lower respiratory illnesses, is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including young children and the elderly. Symptoms typically include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, akin to other respiratory infections. Despite these confirmed cases, Indian officials are urging the public not to panic, emphasizing that HMPV is not a novel virus; it was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating globally for years (CBS News).

As HMPV cases surge in China, where the virus is reported to be on the rise, the Indian federal government has called for increased surveillance and public awareness about preventative measures. These measures include washing hands regularly, wearing masks in crowded places, and maintaining respiratory hygiene by covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Health Minister J.P. Nadda reassured the populace that “there is no reason to worry,” noting that the people infected in India had no recent travel history abroad and that local health systems are well-prepared for any developments related to HMPV (The Hill). Public health officials, such as those from the Indian Medical Association, reiterated that this virus is a common childhood infection, often experienced by most children by age three or four. They further underscored that HMPV is typically a mild condition rather than a serious threat, contrasting it with the more deadly COVID-19 virus. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan remarked, “This is not a killer virus; it has been around for many years” (The Economic Times).

Overall, health agencies, including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have expressed no particular concern regarding HMPV infections in Asia at this time. As the situation unfolds, Indian health authorities are keeping a vigilant eye on both domestic trends and regional developments.

For more details, visit the original sources: CBS News and The Hill.