Two New Cases of HMPV Detected in Jaipur

Authorities have confirmed two new human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Jaipur on Thursday. A man and a woman were admitted to Sawai Man Singh Hospital and tested positive for HMPV. Authorities added that there was no need to panic as everything is under control.

The 70 year old man and 50 year old woman showed symptoms of flu following which they were admitted. This is an indication for the public that anyone with weak immune system is susceptible to the disease.

According to latest reports, both are doing fine after getting treatment and are now in stable condition. However, they have been isolated since both are senior citizens suffering from co-morbidities (have two or more diseases or conditions at the same time).

Sharing the details, Deepak Maheshwari (Principal of Sawai Man Singh Hospital) emphasized on the symptoms of the patients and encouraged public to take necessary precautions by wearing masks and maintaining social distance.

Meanwhile, Arti Singh Rao, Health Minister of Haryana reassured citizens that there is no need to panic, given the treatable nature of the virus. She also urged everyone to stay vigilant during winter and to follow basic hygiene as there is a likelihood of pneumonia infections.

Ministry of Health - India had tweeted the detection of two cases of HMPV in Karnataka on January 6, 2025.

What is HMPV?

The Human Metapneumovirus has been spreading rapidly since China recorded the outbreak in December 2024. However, this is not a virus that is rare and unfamiliar to humankind. It was first discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands. HMPV infections are quite common in the winter and early spring. The virus usually causes respiratory infections and the symptoms are very similar to the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). You might cough or wheeze, have a runny nose or a sore throat. In some cases, it can lead to more severe disease like bronchitis or pneumonia.

The virus particularly impacts children and infants but adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk for this serious illness. Most people get HMPV infections before they turn 5. Once infected, our body develops immunity which aids us in further encounters. Hence, the later symptoms will be mild and much less noticeable.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in its Disease Outbreak News dated 7 January 2025 had provided information and advice about trends of acute respiratory infection including human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Jithin Paul/MSM)