Karnataka has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus linked to a reported outbreak in China. However, state health authorities have reassured the public that there is no need to panic, emphasizing that HMPV is not a new virus and has been in circulation globally, including in India.
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao addressed concerns, stating, “HMPV is not a new virus; it is an existing one. Reports suggesting these are the first cases in India are incorrect. A percentage of people are affected by this virus every year, and it’s not unusual.” He further clarified that the cases in Karnataka involved residents with no travel history.
Recent reports from China, where a potential new variant of HMPV has been detected, have raised global concerns. Minister Rao acknowledged these developments, adding, “China’s outbreak is reportedly due to a new variant of HMPV. We are awaiting detailed information from the Government of India and international authorities.”
Cases Identified in Karnataka
The two cases in Karnataka involved infants in Bengaluru. An eight-month-old child was admitted to a hospital on January 3 with bronchopneumonia and later tested positive for HMPV. The child is currently recovering. Another case involved a three-month-old female infant who was also diagnosed with HMPV after being treated for bronchopneumonia. She has since been discharged.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed these cases as part of its routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens. Both infants had no history of international travel, highlighting local transmission.
Case Detected in Ahmedabad
A separate HMPV case was reported in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. A two-month-old boy from Rajasthan was admitted to a private hospital on December 24 with symptoms of respiratory infection. Tests confirmed HMPV on December 26, but the report was only shared with health authorities on January 1. The child, initially on a ventilator, is now in stable condition.
Government and ICMR Response
The Union Health Ministry and the ICMR have emphasized that HMPV has been circulating globally, including in India. They assured the public that no unusual increase in respiratory illnesses, such as Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), has been observed based on current surveillance data.
“HMPV is not new, and India is well-equipped to manage any potential increase in respiratory illnesses,” the ICMR stated. The organization added that routine surveillance and public health interventions are in place to address any emerging threats.
What is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms. However, it can lead to severe illnesses, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring HMPV cases globally, including the recent surge in China, which is reportedly linked to a new variant.
Monitoring and Preparedness
Amid reports of rising respiratory illnesses in China, the Indian Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) convened a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting to review the situation. The WHO continues to provide updates on China’s outbreak, assisting global and national authorities in refining their response strategies.
India’s health ministry is actively monitoring the situation and has assured the public that timely measures will be taken if necessary. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant but refrain from unnecessary panic, reiterating that HMPV is an already existing virus with no signs of an unusual outbreak in the country.
This proactive stance underscores India’s readiness to handle any potential public health challenges while maintaining transparency in its communication with the public.
