Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been reported in India, with its first cases detected in the southern city of Bengaluru.
The virus, which has been spreading in China, was found in two children in the city on the same day.
According to NDTV, which reported the news on Monday (6 January), the virus was first identified in an eight-month-old child.
Shortly thereafter, a three-month-old child also tested positive for HMPV.
Neither child had a recent travel history, raising questions about the source of the infection.
The central government has stated that there is no connection between these cases and the strain of the virus that has been spreading in China.
Health officials have clarified that the virus found in Bengaluru might not be the same as the Chinese variant.
The three-month-old child has already been discharged from the hospital, while the eight-month-old remains under medical care.
The rising infections in China have raised concerns across several countries, including India.
India's Ministry of Health is keeping a close watch on the developments.
In response to these incidents, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, convened an urgent meeting on Monday afternoon to discuss the situation. Health Secretary Harsha Gupta has advised residents not to panic unnecessarily.
The health department confirmed that neither child had traveled recently, eliminating the possibility of contracting the virus from other regions.
Gupta assured the public that there is no need for alarm regarding this virus.
HMPV has been present in India before, although it remains unclear whether the current strain is a mutation.
There is no information yet on the structure of the virus spreading in China.
Therefore, it is uncertain if the infection in Bengaluru is linked to the Chinese variant or is a typical HMPV infection.
China, too, has urged other countries not to worry about the HMPV, describing it as a seasonal infection.
The Indian government has echoed this sentiment, advising the public to remain calm.
According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the week of 16 to 22 December saw a significant increase in HMPV infections.
Hospital admissions due to respiratory illnesses also rose, surpassing rates for COVID-19, rhinovirus, or adenovirus.
The virus predominantly affects children under 14, highlighting the need for basic awareness about this infection.
