The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka.
Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for various respiratory viral pathogens, which is part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses nationwide.
It is important to note that HMPV is already circulating globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in several countries. Currently, data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network indicate that there has been no unusual increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.
Here are the details of the detected HMPV cases:
1. A 3-month-old female infant was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has since been discharged.
2. An 8-month-old male infant tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru for bronchopneumonia. The infant is currently recovering.
Neither of the affected patients has a history of international travel.
The Union Health Ministry is actively monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) is providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to help inform ongoing measures.
A recent preparedness drill conducted nationwide has demonstrated that India is well-equipped to manage any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, and public health interventions can be promptly deployed if necessary.
