India’s first cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) confirmed, but authorities say there is ‘no reason for concern’

New Delhi — Indian authorities have confirmed the first cases of human metapneumovirus in this vast country (HMPV), and seven people were reported to have contracted the virus on Tuesday, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Two of the HMPV infections were reported in the central Indian city of Nagpur on Tuesday, while two cases were reported in the cities of Bangalore and one each in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Salem on Monday. These cases include a three-month-old girl who tested positive for HMPV on Monday. Another case involved an eight-month-old boy who tested positive for both HMPV and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory illnesses in people of all ages. Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of serious illness from the virus. According to the CDC, symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.

HMPV infections are would have increased in Chinadrawing interest from around the world, but Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno, director of infection prevention and control at Children’s Medical Center Plano in Texas, told CBS News this week that there are no concerns about a potential new pandemic.

“It’s been circulating for a while, so people have some immunity,” she said, adding that the virus was quite stable, unlike the virus. COVID-19 virus that often mutates, making it more difficult to fight.

India’s federal government on Monday asked states to step up surveillance of respiratory diseases and create awareness about how to prevent transmission of HMPV. Preventative measures include covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, washing your hands frequently, and wearing masks in crowded places.

“Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus; it was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating around the world for many years,” India’s health minister said on Monday. , JP Nadda. “The country’s health systems and surveillance networks are vigilant and there is no reason for concern.”

Nadda said those infected in India had no recent travel history and the government was “closely monitoring the situation in China and neighboring countries.”

The health ministry also said HMPV infections were “not a concern” as no unusual increase in respiratory illnesses has been detected in the country, and it noted that India was well prepared for any possible increase.

“Viral infection is generally a mild, self-limiting illness and most cases recover on their own,” the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Health agencies, such as the United Nations World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have not expressed any concerns about HMPV infections in Asia.

Sara Moniuszko contributed to this report.