The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Both cases were detected through routine surveillance conducted by ICMR to monitor multiple respiratory viral pathogens. This initiative is part of the council’s ongoing efforts to track and understand respiratory illnesses across India.
Here are details of the detected HMPV cases:
1. A 3-month-old female infant was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has been since discharged.
2. An 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is now recovering.
The ICMR emphasised that despite the detection of these two cases, there has been no significant increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.
The Union Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation through all available surveillance channels. Additionally, the ICMR will keep track of HMPV circulation trends throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been providing regular updates on the situation in China to inform public health measures.
