HMPV cases detected in India: How the respiratory virus is different from Covid-19 | Explained

A three-month-old infant and an eight-month-old infant, both with a history of bronchopneumonia, tested positive for the virus after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. While the younger infant has been discharged, the older child is recovering, the ministry said.

"Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR's ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country," the ministry said.

The announcement triggered concerns on Dalal Street, with the Sensex tumbling nearly 1,200 points and the Nifty 50 shedding 400 points by midday Monday as investors grappled with the potential economic impact of the virus and jitters ahead of corporate earnings.

How HMPV differs from Covid-19

HMPV, a common respiratory virus in the pneumoviridae family, typically spreads during winter and spring and is closely related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In a bid to assuage fears of a Covid-like health crisis, the health ministry clarified that the virus is not new and has been in global circulation. It has been associated with respiratory infections worldwide for over 50 years and was first identified more than two decades ago.

Unlike Covid-19, which originated from the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, HMPV has no known history of sparking a pandemic.

The health ministry reported no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in India, based on ICMR and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) data.

Symptoms of HMPV include fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, with severe cases potentially leading to pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable groups. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, or contaminated surfaces, and its incubation period ranges from three to six days, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Unlike Covid-19, no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines are available for HMPV. Preventive measures include regular handwashing, covering the mouth while coughing, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures, the health ministry said.

"The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed," it added.