HMPV in India: ICMR confirms two cases from Karnataka's Bengaluru in 'routine surveillance'

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka’s Bengaluru. The ICMR said in a statement that the two cases were found “through routine surveillance”.

Both the HMPV patients are infants. The reports of them testing positive for the virus that has made headlines in China came on Monday.

The Union health ministry said the ICMR detected HMPV cases through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country.

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… pic.twitter.com/PtKYmgztKb

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025

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Earlier, the Karnataka health department confirmed the first HMPV case in India from Bengaluru’s Baptist Hospital. The diagnostic test was conducted at a private hospital.  

News agency PTI quoted a Karnataka health department source as saying, “The reports have come from a private hospital and we have no reason to doubt the tests of the private hospital.”

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As per the state health department, the infant and its family had no history of recent travel. Also, the child did not show any concerning symptoms.

The state officials also informed the Union Health Ministry about the HMPV case in Bengaluru and are likely waiting for further guidance from both the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the central ministry.

How does HMPV spread?

Similar to COVID-19, HMPV spreads through droplets or aerosols generated by coughing, sneezing, and close contact with infected individuals. Common symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, and headaches. However, doctors have warned that some patients may develop bronchitis or pneumonia as a result of the infection.

Currently, there is no vaccine or effective medication for HMPV, and treatment mainly focuses on alleviating symptoms.

China’s struggle to manage HMPV makes the world anxious

Recently, there has been a rise in HMPV cases in China, especially in the northern provinces. To better manage and respond to such outbreaks, China’s disease control authorities have implemented a monitoring system for the unknown virus attack.

Recent videos circulating online show Chinese hospitals struggling to manage patients. Many claim that the hospital overcrowding has been caused by a sudden outbreak of infection caused by the Human Metapneumovirus or HMPV.

“There is news doing the rounds about a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China which is serious. HMPV is a normal respiratory virus which causes symptoms like cold. Some people can get flu-like symptoms, especially elderly people and infants. But this is not something serious or worrisome,” Dr Atul Goel, the director general of health services, said on Friday ahead of the meeting, TOI reported.