HMPV Outbreak: Two Children Test Positive for Human Metapneumovirus in Tamil Nadu; Tally Rises to 5

The two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) reported in Chennai and Salem were stable and are being monitored, the state health department said on Monday, December 6. Also, there was no significant surge in common respiratory viral pathogens that have been detected in Tamil Nadu, Additional Chief Secretary to Health & Family Welfare Department Supriya Sahu said in a release here.

The release said two cases of HMPV, one from Chennai and another from Salem, were reported and that their condition was stable. They were being monitored. Earlier, a child was tested positive in Ahmedabad and two children in Bengaluru. The ICMR detected these cases through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.

Also Read | What Is HMPV? Symptoms and How to Stay Safe During Human Metapneumovirus Outbreak.

A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the Union Home Ministry said. An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, it said. It is important to note that neither of the patients have any history of international travel, the ministry underlined.