The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has identified two Cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, both in infants aged three and eight months old.

These infection cases were picked up through routine surveillance and both were reported from hospitals in Bengaluru.

“There have been media reports of some Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases detected in Karnataka. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country,” the union government said in a statement.

HMPV is already in circulation globally, including neighboring countries such as China and Malaysia, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. According to reports, China has seen a very large surge in the number of cases of HMPV along with Covid and is treating it as a state of emergency.

ICMR has said that there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.

According to the government, a 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has since been discharged. In yet another case, an 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, also admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is now recovering. Neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel or have been in contact with those who travelled recently.

Preparedness

Meanwhile, the recent preparedness drill conducted across the country is targeted at any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed.

The Maharashtra state health department has issued guidelines urging the public to adopt preventive measures against HMPV. These measures include covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, regular handwashing with soap, and staying away from public gatherings if experiencing symptoms. This virus, which can cause symptoms similar to a cold. Young children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems or existing health conditions could be at a higher risk.

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