KARNATAKA, Jan 6: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed on Monday that two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) had been detected in Karnataka. These cases were identified as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country, highlighting the effectiveness of India’s robust surveillance systems, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
HMPV, a respiratory virus already circulating globally, including in India, has been associated with respiratory illnesses in multiple countries. Despite the detection of these cases, data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) confirm that there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) in the nation.
The first case involved a 3-month-old female infant admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru with bronchopneumonia. She was diagnosed with HMPV and has since been discharged. The second case, an 8-month-old male infant, tested positive on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to the same hospital with a similar condition. He is currently recovering. Notably, both infants have no history of international travel, which points to localized transmission of the virus.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is actively monitoring the situation through extensive surveillance networks. ICMR continues to track the circulation of HMPV throughout the year. In addition, updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the global status of HMPV, especially developments in China, are being closely followed to guide preventive measures.
The health ministry confirmed that surveillance and response mechanisms are firmly in place to ensure public health safety. Despite the emergence of cases in some countries, including China, there has been no indication of a widespread outbreak in India, and the situation is being carefully monitored. The ministry urged the public to stay informed and adhere to health guidelines to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
