Context: 

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed at least seven cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) across several states.

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• The HMPV infection in India was first detected in two infants in Karnataka. 
• Further, two cases were reported in Tamil Nadu, two in Maharashtra and one in Gujarat.
• However, the Union Health Ministry cautioned that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. 
• It further emphasized that these infections have no connection to the reported surge in respiratory infections in China. 

About Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) 

• Unlike the Covid-19 pandemic where the virus causing the infections was unknown, HMPV is an already known viral infection.
• It has circulated in human populations since the 1970s, though it was first isolated from 28 children in The Netherlands in 2001. 
• HMPV causes symptoms similar to the common cold and is very similar to RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus), which is the other commonly seen viral respiratory infection. 
• It often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. 
• HMPV infections are more common in the winter.
• The virus accounts for 4-16% of acute respiratory infections globally, with cases usually peaking between November and May. 
• Researchers estimate that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. 
• Most cases are mild, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia.

Transmission

HMPV spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus like:

• Coughing and sneezing.
• Shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
• Touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, keyboards or toys.

There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for HMPV. Thus, the major focus of the treatment regimen is on alleviating symptoms such as fever, congestion, or breathing difficulties, using supportive care like hydration, fever reducers, or in severe cases, oxygen therapy.