New Delhi, Jan 06: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed the detection of two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens. Ministry of Health in a release has stated that these cases were detected as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor and control respiratory illnesses across the country. HMPV is a respiratory virus that is already circulating globally, including in India.
It has been associated with respiratory illnesses in various countries, although there has been no unusual surge in cases in India. The ICMR emphasized 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. One of the affected individuals is a 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru.
She had a history of bronchopneumonia and was discharged after receiving treatment. The second case involves an 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, following his admission to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, also with a history of bronchopneumonia. This infant is currently recovering and is in stable condition.
Neither of the infants had any history of international travel, suggesting that the cases are local and not connected to outbreaks outside the country. The Union Health Ministry conti.
