The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, detected through routine surveillance for respiratory pathogens, the Union health ministry announced on Monday.
The first case involves a three-month-old female infant who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant has since been discharged, the ministry confirmed.
The second case is that of an eight-month-old male infant, also admitted to Baptist Hospital on January 3 with bronchopneumonia. The infant tested positive for HMPV and is currently recovering, the ministry added.
A third case has been reported in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, where a two-month-old baby has been diagnosed with the virus.
Patients with 'no international travel history'
The Health Ministry clarified that none of the affected infants had a history of international travel, underscoring that HMPV has been circulating globally, including in India, for years.
The ministry’s statement read: “It is emphasised that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.”
The ministry assured the public that surveillance mechanisms are robust, and recent preparedness drills have demonstrated India’s readiness to respond to any respiratory illness outbreak.
Amid growing concerns over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, Dr. Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, sought to reassure the public, emphasising that there is no need for panic.
He clarified that HMPV is akin to other respiratory viruses and usually results in mild, cold-like symptoms.
The ICMR has assured that it will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is meanwhile providing timely updates on the situation in China to inform ongoing measures.
A recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has confirmed that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, with public health interventions ready for deployment if needed.
About Human Metapneumovirus
First identified in 2001, HMPV affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts, with infants and the elderly being particularly vulnerable. Symptoms typically include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and, in severe cases, bronchitis or pneumonia. Symptoms appear within three to six days of exposure.
Globally, HMPV has been detected in countries such as the United States, Canada, and across Europe.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared the virus a global emergency, health agencies worldwide are monitoring its spread closely.
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