There are fears that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading further across Asia after two sick babies were hospitalized and diagnosed with the virus in India.
China earlier revealed it has been grappling with a spike of patients suffering from the flu-like respiratory infection caused by the virus this winter. The surge in cases—which seems to have particularly affected children—has swept across northern China, but the country has played down fears of another Covid-style pandemic, with politicians noting that such illnesses are common during the winter months.
Officials at the Indian Council of Medical Research confirmed the discovery of two HMPV cases within its own borders on January 6, after testing the infants in the southwestern state of Karnataka, according to the Hindustan Times.
Newsweek reached out by email to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare seeking further information and comment.
Why It Matters
The spread of HMPV has sparked global concern, as cases have begun to be reported outside of mainland China. There have already been confirmed infections in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and this week's announcement means that HMPV is circulating in India.
The Chinese government and the World Health Organization have not declared a public health emergency regarding the virus.
What to Know
The HMPV virus causes symptoms similar to the flu or common cold, such as a cough, fever, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, wheezing and shortness of breath. It may even cause a rash, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The virus has been around for more than two decades and, in the spring of 2023, the U.S. saw its own outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As with the common cold, there is no specific treatment for HMPV and no vaccine. And it's spread in a similar way: via close contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces and through airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes.
Cases tend to mild, but young children, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for serious illness. HMPV can sometimes go on to cause other respiratory infections such as pneumonia, and can worsen existing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The Indian Council of Medical Research confirmed that two HMPV cases were detected in Karnataka hospitals during routine surveillance for viruses.
A three-month-old girl was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to the Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru and she has now been discharged, officials said on Monday. An eight-month-old boy also tested positive at the same hospital on January 3 and he is said to be "recovering" as he undergoes treatment, according to the Hindustan Times. Both children had a previous history of bronchopneumonia, the newspaper said.
Officials stressed that neither of the babies had traveled abroad, meaning that they must have contracted the illness inside India.
What People Are Saying
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters on Friday: "Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year."
Professor Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Mater Health Services in Brisbane, Australia, told the Guardian newspaper: "I don't think we're necessarily concerned about a pandemic with this virus, but the surge in cases and impact it's having are significant. A good lesson can be taken [from the Covid-19 pandemic] to reduce the spread, particularly given we don't have vaccines or antivirals for HMPV... staying home, practising good cough and sneeze etiquette, and hand hygiene are so important during the winter season."
Before the Indian cases were confirmed on Monday, India's Kerala state Health Minister Veena George said last week that the country was braced for HMPV infections, telling The Indian Express: "Respiratory diseases especially in children and the elderly are being closely monitored. That apart, people coming from other countries, including China, will also be monitored if they develop respiratory symptoms. However, the present situation does not demand any restrictions for expatriates."
Newsweek has reached out by email to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare seeking comment.
What Happens Next
Indian hospitals are likely to screen further respiratory patients for the HMPV virus, while the World Health Organization, a United Nations agency, will continue to monitor the global situation.
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