The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) during routine monitoring for respiratory pathogens, the Union Health Ministry announced on Monday (January 6, 2025). Both cases were reported in Karnataka.
A three-month-old female infant, who was admitted to Bengaluru’s Baptist Hospital with a history of bronchopneumonia, was diagnosed with HMPV. She has since been discharged, the ministry stated.
Similarly, an eight-month-old male infant, also treated for bronchopneumonia at the same hospital, tested positive for HMPV on January 3 and is currently recovering.
Neither of 2 infected kids had travel history
The ministry highlighted that neither of the infants had a history of international travel. HMPV is already prevalent worldwide, including in India, and is known to cause respiratory illnesses in various countries.
According to the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), there has been no unusual spike in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) across the country. Surveillance systems remain active, and the ministry assured that India is closely monitoring the situation.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to provide updates on the situation in China, where the Covid-type respiratory virus has raised concerns.
However, the Indian Health Ministry emphasised that recent preparedness drills demonstrate the country’s readiness to address any potential surge in respiratory diseases. Timely public health interventions will be deployed if required.
