The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed the detection of two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. The cases were identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens as part of ICMR’s ongoing national monitoring efforts. This press release was issued on January 6, 2025.
The ICMR emphasizes that HMPV is not a new virus and is already circulating globally, including in India. Cases of HMPV-associated respiratory illnesses have been reported in various countries previously. 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 across the country.
The two confirmed HMPV cases are:
- A 3-month-old female infant diagnosed with HMPV after admission to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with bronchopneumonia. She has since been discharged.
- An 8-month-old male infant who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after admission to the same hospital with bronchopneumonia. He is currently recovering.
Importantly, neither infant had a history of international travel, suggesting community transmission.
The Union Health Ministry is actively monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. ICMR will continue to track HMPV circulation trends throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also providing timely updates on the respiratory illness situation in China to inform ongoing monitoring and response measures.
The Health Ministry highlighted the recent nationwide preparedness drill, which demonstrated India’s readiness to handle potential increases in respiratory illnesses. Public health interventions can be deployed promptly should the need arise.
While the detection of these two cases is being monitored, health officials reiterate that there is no cause for undue alarm. The current data does not suggest an unusual increase in respiratory illnesses nationwide, and existing surveillance and response mechanisms are in place.
