Five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) among infants were detected in India on Monday. While the ICMR confirmed two cases of HMPV in Bengaluru, local media from Gujarat said that a two-month-old baby also tested positive for the virus in Ahmedabad on Monday. 

The two cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, the Union Health Ministry confirmed. One case involves a three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia who was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She was diagnosed with HMPV and has since been discharged. The second case is an eight-month-old male infant, also with a history of bronchopneumonia. He tested positive for HMPV on January 3 and is currently recovering at the same hospital. Neither of the patients has any history of international travel, the Health Ministry emphasised.

The fourth and fifth cases were reported from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 

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No surge in respiratory illnesses reported
The ministry highlighted that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and respiratory illnesses associated with the virus have been documented in various countries. It also stated that, based on current data from the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) within the country.

The Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. The ICMR will continue to track HMPV trends throughout the year, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) is providing regular updates on the situation in China.

Karnataka Health Department’s response
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao is expected to meet with health officials today at 12:30 pm to discuss precautionary measures.

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The state’s Health Department reassured the public that it is monitoring the situation in coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). “There is currently no need to panic. HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, causing common cold and flu-like symptoms during winter, especially in younger and older populations,” it said.

Precautionary measures
The Karnataka Health Department has issued guidelines to minimise the risk of infection:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitisers.
  • Avoid crowded places and public areas if experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or sneezing.
  • Ensure proper ventilation in living and working spaces.
  • Stay at home if unwell, limit contact with others, and maintain a nutritious diet.

The advisory also warned against:

  • Reusing tissues or handkerchiefs.
  • Close contact with sick individuals.
  • Sharing personal items like towels or linens.
  • Frequently touching the face (eyes, nose, mouth).
  • Spitting in public places or self-medicating without consulting a physician.
  • The Health Ministry noted that India is well-prepared to manage any potential rise in respiratory illnesses. A recent nationwide preparedness drill demonstrated the country’s readiness to deploy public health interventions promptly if needed.
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The public has been urged to remain vigilant and follow precautionary measures to prevent the spread of infections. The situation remains under close surveillance by state and central health authorities.

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