New Delhi, January 6, 2025 — Gujarat reported its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) on Monday, marking the third confirmed case in India. The patient, a two-month-old boy from Dungarpur, Rajasthan, is currently stable and under isolation for monitoring, according to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.
HMPV Cases in Bengaluru
Earlier, two HMPV cases were confirmed in Bengaluru, Karnataka, as part of the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) respiratory pathogen surveillance:
- Case 1: A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was treated at Baptist Hospital and discharged.
- Case 2: An eight-month-old male infant, diagnosed on January 3, is recovering in stable condition at the same hospital.
Both cases had no history of international travel, indicating local transmission unrelated to the recent surge of HMPV cases in China.
Authorities Increase Vigilance
Amid global concerns over respiratory illnesses, Indian health authorities have heightened vigilance for HMPV. Despite isolated cases, the Union Health Ministry reassured the public that there is no cause for panic, emphasizing that:
- HMPV is not new and circulates globally, including in India.
- Current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) shows no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases.
- The ministry is in close communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) to monitor developments in China.
Understanding HMPV
Human Metapneumovirus is a common respiratory virus that can cause:
- Upper respiratory tract infections.
- Complications in vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The virus does not pose a pandemic threat but may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia in severe cases.
Ongoing Efforts
The ICMR continues to:
- Track HMPV trends year-round.
- Expand laboratory testing capacity to ensure robust detection.
Indian health authorities urge the public to stay informed and adhere to respiratory hygiene practices.
