HMPV Virus in India: Five Cases Detected, Bengaluru and Chennai Among Affected Cities
HMPV Cases Reported in India
India has confirmed five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections across multiple cities. Among the reported cases:
- An eight-month-old male infant and a three-month-old female baby tested positive for HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru.
- A two-month-old baby in Ahmedabad was diagnosed with HMPV after showing symptoms of cold and fever.
- In Chennai, two children exhibiting symptoms of cold, fever, and cough have also tested positive for the virus.
While the Karnataka Health Department has yet to confirm the cases, sources indicate that samples will be sent to Pune for variant analysis. Currently, there is no clear evidence linking the HMPV strain in India to the outbreak in China.
Detailed Breakdown of HMPV Cases
According to government reports, the cases are as follows:
- Bengaluru Cases:
- A 3-month-old female infant was diagnosed with HMPV at Baptist Hospital with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has since been discharged.
- An 8-month-old male infant tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, and is currently recovering.
- Ahmedabad Case:
- A two-month-old baby from a village near Modasa tested positive for HMPV at a private laboratory after presenting symptoms of cold and fever.
- Chennai Cases:
- Two children were confirmed HMPV-positive after developing symptoms of cold, fever, and cough.
Health authorities emphasize that none of the affected children have a history of international travel.
Karnataka Conducts Emergency Meeting
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao convened an emergency meeting with health officials at 12:30 PM to discuss preventive measures following reports of an HMPV outbreak in China. The Chinese government, however, has dismissed concerns, stating that the virus is part of a seasonal respiratory illness.
Reassuring the public, the Karnataka government stated that there is no need for panic, as HMPV is not a new virus and has been present in India for years.
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
HMPV is a respiratory virus that primarily causes symptoms similar to the common cold. It typically leads to upper respiratory infections but can also contribute to more severe conditions such as:
- Pneumonia
- Asthma exacerbations
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) complications
HMPV cases generally spike in winter and early spring.
HMPV Cases on the Rise Globally
Recent data indicates a surge in HMPV infections in Malaysia, where 327 cases were recorded in 2024, marking a 45% increase from 225 cases in 2023. This rise coincides with reports of increased respiratory infections in China and other nations.
Health Authorities Monitoring HMPV Spread
The Union Health Ministry is actively monitoring the situation through surveillance networks. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will continue tracking HMPV circulation trends throughout the year. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) is providing real-time updates on the global HMPV scenario to help guide precautionary measures.
Stay tuned for further updates as health authorities continue to assess the situation.