New Delhi, January 6 : The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed the detection of two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through its routine surveillance program for respiratory viral pathogens.
The two cases were identified in Bengaluru at Baptist Hospital:
- A 3-month-old female infant, admitted with bronchopneumonia, was diagnosed with HMPV and has since been discharged.
- An 8-month-old male infant, also admitted with bronchopneumonia, tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, and is currently recovering.
Importantly, neither infant had a history of international travel.
The ICMR emphasizes that HMPV is a virus already circulating globally, including in India, and cases have been reported in various countries. Current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network indicate no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases nationwide.
The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. ICMR will continue to track HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also providing updates regarding the situation in China.
A recent preparedness drill conducted across India has demonstrated the country’s readiness to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, with prompt deployment of public health interventions if necessary.
