On Monday (6th January), media reports claimed that India had recorded its first case of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The ‘patient zero’ is said to be an 8-month-old from Bengaluru.
Another 3-month-old child had also tested positive for HMPV. The development comes amid a surge of Human Metapneumovirus in China, which was where Covid-19 originated.
While the 8-month-old child is still undergoing treatment, the 3-month-old toddler has been discharged.
The cases were confirmed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). However, it is not confirmed whether the strain of HMPV is the same as found in China.
The “latest virus from China” HMPV has already been in India since decades and is a well known pathogen causing respiratory illness especially in children. This study done at AIIMS almost two decades ago showed its prevalence at about 3% to 33% of childhood respiratory illnesses. pic.twitter.com/H4nLOdcgXI
— Amit Thadhani (@amitsurg) January 4, 2025
On Saturday (4th January), noted surgeon Amit Thadhani attempted to pacify the public, worried about the ‘new virus’ from China. He informed that HMPV has been in India for decades.
“The “latest virus from China” HMPV has already been in India since decades and is a well known pathogen causing respiratory illness especially in children,” he tweeted.
Amit Thadhani shared the screenshot of a study on Human Metapneumovirus and stated, “This study done at AIIMS almost two decades ago showed its prevalence at about 3% to 33% of childhood respiratory illnesses.”
IMHO it doesn’t matter much, mostly there will be cross immunity. SARS virus was seen in animals and birds but not in humans, whereas this virus has already been found commonly in humans.
— Amit Thadhani (@amitsurg) January 4, 2025
A netizen asked the surgeon about the possibility of the Chinese HMPV having a different strain than what was reported before. Dr Amit Thadhani clarified that there would be cross-immunity even if the strain is new or different.
He pointed out that, unlike Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus which was reported only in animals and birds, HMPV is commonly found in humans.
In the meantime, China has downplayed concerns over the surge in HMPV cases as an ‘annual seasonal reoccurrence.’
