Bengaluru, 6 January 2025: Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in Bengaluru, Karnataka, as part of routine respiratory virus surveillance, the Union health ministry announced Monday.
Both patients, infants diagnosed with bronchopneumonia, had no history of international travel, officials confirmed.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) identified the cases during its surveillance of respiratory pathogens.
A three-month-old girl was admitted to Bengaluru’s Baptist Hospital with bronchopneumonia and later tested positive for HMPV. She has since been discharged, the ministry said.
An eight-month-old boy, also diagnosed with bronchopneumonia, tested positive on January 3 after being admitted to the same hospital. He is currently recovering.
The ministry noted that HMPV is globally prevalent, including in India, with respiratory illnesses linked to the virus reported in several countries. "The cases identified in Bengaluru have no travel history," the ministry said
The virus is already circulating worldwide, he said.
Ongoing data from the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) indicate no unusual increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in India.
"The ministry is closely monitoring the situation using available surveillance mechanisms," it added. ICMR will continue tracking HMPV circulation throughout the year, while the World Health Organization (WHO) is sharing updates on global trends, including the situation in China.
A recent nationwide preparedness drill showcased India’s readiness to address any surge in respiratory illnesses, the health ministry stated. Public health measures can be swiftly deployed if necessary to manage outbreaks.