HMPV virus cases: Health ministry confirms two Karnataka infants tested positive

Two infants in Karnataka diagnosed with the HMPV virus, the health ministry confirmed on Monday.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday confirmed that two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases have been detected in Karnataka. The cases were identified through the ICMR's routine surveillance for various respiratory viruses, aligning with their ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses nationwide, the Union health ministry said on Monday. (Track HMPV virus latest updates here)

These cases were identified through the ICMR's routine surveillance for various respiratory viruses.(Representational image)

A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the ministry said.

An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, it said.

It is important to note that neither of the patients have any history of international travel, the ministry underlined.

What is HMPV virus?

The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. Studies show it has circulated in human populations since the 1970s, though it was first identified by scientists in 2001. The virus accounts for 4-16% of acute respiratory infections globally, with cases usually peaking between November and May. While most adults have developed immunity through previous exposure, hMPV can cause more severe symptoms in infants encountering it for the first time and in people with weakened immune systems.

Health ministry on HMPV virus

The Health Ministry has highlighted that HMPV is circulating globally, including in India, with cases of respiratory illnesses linked to the virus reported in multiple countries.

Additionally, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no significant rise in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) in India.

The ministry confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. The ICMR will continue to track the trends of HMPV circulation throughout the year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing regular updates on the situation in China, supporting ongoing efforts to manage the situation.

A recent preparedness drill conducted nationwide has demonstrated that India is well-prepared to manage any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, with public health interventions ready to be deployed if necessary, according to the ministry.