A two-month-old baby has been found to have an infection caused by Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) at a private hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. According to a civic official, the baby’s condition is currently stable, news agency PTI reported on Monday, citing a civic official.

The total number of confirmed HMPV cases in India has now reached three. This includes two new cases reported today in Bengaluru

The baby was admitted to a hospital in Chandkheda, and according to health officials, the infant’s condition is currently stable. Initially, the child was placed on a ventilator, but reports indicate improvement since then.

However, The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) warned on Monday that the HMPV virus is already spreading around the world, including in India. However, they assured that India is well-prepared to handle any rise in respiratory illnesses.

This alert came after Bengaluru reported two cases of HMPV: a three-month-old baby who has been discharged from the hospital and an eight-month-old baby who is currently recovering. The health department confirmed that the infected infants and their families have not traveled recently, ruling out exposure from other places.

“It is emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country,” the ICMR said.

Know About HMPV Virus

HMPV is a common virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. It spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces. HMPV typically causes symptoms like cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, and wheezing. Severe cases can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.

Chinese health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) have not reported a new pandemic or issued emergency warnings related to HMPV.

Symptoms: Cough, Fever, Runny or stuffy nose, Sore throat, Wheezing, Shortness of breath (dyspnea), Rash (in some cases)

Transmission: HMVP spreads through close contact with infected individuals or by coming in contact with contaminated surfaces.

Precautions: Wash hands frequently with soap & water, use hand sanitizer, maintain distance from sick or infected individuals, avoid close contact, cover mouth & nose with a tissue or elbow while coughing/sneezing, etc.