New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, identified through routine surveillance of respiratory viral pathogens.
This detection underscores the robustness of India’s surveillance system for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), which ensures timely identification of emerging public health concerns.
HMPV is a globally circulating respiratory virus from the Pneumoviridae family, known to cause a range of respiratory illnesses, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
It primarily affects children under five, older adults, and individuals with compromised immunity or chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces, with an incubation period of 3–6 days.
Though first identified in 2001, serological evidence suggests it has been a prevalent respiratory pathogen for over six decades.
The confirmed cases in Karnataka include:
- A 3-month-old female infant diagnosed with bronchopneumonia and admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru. She has since been discharged.
- An 8-month-old male infant, also diagnosed with bronchopneumonia and tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, at the same hospital. He is currently recovering well.
Neither of the infants had any history of international travel, confirming local transmission of the virus.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare assured the public that there is no unusual surge in ILI or SARI cases across the country. The recent preparedness drill conducted nationwide demonstrates India’s capability to address respiratory illnesses promptly.
“The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country demonstrates that India is well-equipped to address any potential rise in respiratory illnesses. Public health interventions can be swiftly implemented if needed,” the Ministry stated.
ICMR continues to monitor HMPV trends across the country through its extensive surveillance network. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also providing updates on global developments, including HMPV cases in China, to guide India’s ongoing measures.
Experts emphasize the importance of preventive measures like regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces to limit the spread of HMPV and other respiratory viruses. With its robust healthcare framework, India remains vigilant in tracking and managing such infections.
For further updates, the Union Health Ministry will continue monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels.