New Delhi, January 6
Airborne Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has now hit India after China. Five children have been found suffering from this virus today in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. The central government has instructed the hospitals to be ready. Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured people that there is no need to panic and the situation is being closely monitored. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has instructed all hospitals in the capital to be prepared to deal with a possible increase in respiratory diseases. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of HMPV in Karnataka during routine surveillance. The ministry said that the three-month-old girl complained of ‘bronchopneumonia’ and was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bangalore, where she was diagnosed with HMPV. He has already been discharged from the hospital.
