HMPV In India: ICMR Detects Two Cases Of Human Metapneumovirus In Bengaluru

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 Health Ministry said on Monday (6 January).

The cases was identified at Baptist Hospital and marks the first such cases in India.

According to the Health Ministry, the two detected case include:

1. 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 been since discharged.

2. An 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is now recovering.

The HMPV, or human metapneumovirus, is usually detected in children under the age of 11. About 0.7 per cent of all flu samples are HMPV.

The Union Health Ministry has assured citizens that there is no immediate cause for concern.

India is actively monitoring the global HMPV situation, maintaining communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) for timely updates. 

To bolster preparedness, the ministry is expanding HMPV testing capabilities in laboratories nationwide and has tasked the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with year-round trend analysis of the virus.

On Saturday (4 January), a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reviewed the situation. 

The ministry attributed the recent surge in respiratory illnesses in China to the flu season, noting that influenza viruses, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and HMPV are common pathogens during this period.

The presence of these viruses, it stated, aligns with normal seasonal trends.

The Health Ministry emphasised that HMPV is not new to India, with the virus and similar respiratory illnesses already circulating in expected seasonal patterns.

Hospitals across the country have reported no significant rise in respiratory illness cases in recent weeks.

India’s surveillance systems for Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), managed by ICMR and the IDSP network, continue to indicate normal seasonal variations. 

Recent data show no unexpected increase in sample positivity rates for HMPV or related viruses.

A recent nationwide preparedness drill confirmed India’s readiness to respond to any potential surge in respiratory illnesses, with health systems and surveillance networks remaining vigilant against emerging health challenges.

Also Read: Delhi Health Authorities Issue Advisory On Preparedness For Respiratory Illnesses, Including HMPV