• Source:JND
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Amid a surge in cases of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, three cases were reported in India on Monday. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) stated that two of the cases were recorded in Bengaluru. Providing details, the ICMR informed that two infants–eight-month-old and three-month-old tested positive for the virus in the capital city of Karnataka. 

The third case was reported from Gujarat, where a two-month-old child was diagnosed with the virus. The ICMR stated that all the cases have been reported in children, confirming that the virus is more likely to affect the kids and the older people. Though these cases were reported in India, the patients have no travel history to China, where the first case of the virus was found. 

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The research department further informed that all the children were admitted to the hospitals for the treatment. It further added that the three-month-old child admitted to a Bengaluru hospital was later discharged. All the cases of HMPV virus were confirmed by the ICMR through routine surveillance, adding that while one of the children had travelled to Tirupati, no international travel history was found in any of these cases. 

The Karnataka Health Department on Monday confirmed that the eight-month-old child was affected by the virus. It stated that medical tests of the child turned out to be positive, and they later conveyed the information to the Union Health Ministry. However, it was not confirmed whether this was the same strain of HMPV causing a spike in China. The Karnataka Health Minister later called an emergency meeting with officials to discuss the cases. The ICMR later stated that the virus is affecting people in several countries of the world. 

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The primary symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, and sore throat. However, in several cases it leads to shortness of breath, pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma exacerbations. People having these symptoms were guided to get themselves checked for the confirmation.