HMPV Cases In India: Why is HMPV impacting children?

A new case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been reported in Gujarat, bringing the total number of cases in India to three. The latest infection involves a two-year-old child from Rajasthan who was admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad's Chandkheda after exhibiting symptoms of cold and cough. The child is currently stable, according to civic officials.

This report follows the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's announcement earlier on Monday regarding two confirmed HMPV cases involving infants in Bengaluru. A three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy were diagnosed with HMPV during routine surveillance; both had a history of bronchopneumonia, which is a serious lung infection affecting the alveoli and bronchi.

Why is HMPV Impacting Children?

HMPV significantly affects children due to its link with severe respiratory illnesses, particularly among young and vulnerable populations. It is a leading cause of acute respiratory infections, accounting for approximately 10 per cent to 12 per cent of such illnesses in children. While most cases are mild, around 5 per cent to 16 per cent of affected children may develop serious conditions like pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which often require hospitalisation.

The heightened risk for children, especially infants and toddlers, stems from their lack of pre-existing immunity to HMPV. The initial infection usually results in more severe symptoms, while subsequent infections tend to be milder as some immunity develops. The most severe cases typically occur in children aged 6 to 12 months.

Children with underlying health issues, such as asthma or those born prematurely, face an increased risk of severe complications from HMPV infections. Research indicates that HMPV can worsen asthma symptoms, leading to hospitalizations and the need for respiratory support.

HMPV spreads easily through respiratory droplets and can also be transmitted via contact with contaminated surfaces. This high contagion rate contributes to its rapid spread among children, particularly in communal settings like daycare centers.