The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, identified through routine surveillance. Both cases were detected at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. The first case involves a 3-month-old female infant diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted with bronchopneumonia; she has since been discharged. The second case is an 8-month-old male infant who tested positive on January 3, 2025, also presenting with bronchopneumonia; he is currently recovering. Neither patient has a history of international travel.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that has been in circulation globally, including in India, and has been associated with respiratory illnesses in various countries. Despite the detection of these cases, data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) indicate no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases nationwide.
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. The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to inform ongoing measures. Recent preparedness drills conducted across the country have demonstrated that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, with public health interventions ready to be deployed promptly if needed.
Health authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses.
