HMPV in Bengaluru: Is it too early to hit the panic button in India?

Karnataka's Health Minister on Monday allayed fears after the state confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the state, detected through routine surveillance under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao addressed the situation, saying, "I don't think we should be pressing the panic button, because HMPV is not a new virus. The reports claim this is the first case in India, which is not true. Certain percentages of people do get affected by this virus. The child affected has no travel history and is a local resident."

He added that while China's outbreak suggests a new variant of HMPV, further details are awaited from the Government of India.

HMPV surveillance in India

The health ministry emphasized that HMPV is not a novel pathogen and has been in circulation globally for decades. It is a leading cause of respiratory infections in children and older adults, often presenting symptoms similar to influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Cases linked to HMPV have been reported in countries including the United States, Australia, and China, highlighting its global presence.

ICMR's ongoing efforts aim to track trends in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illnesses (SARI) across the country. Current data suggests no unusual surge in these cases in India. Surveillance systems remain active to detect and respond to any emerging trends. The health ministry has urged citizens to practice standard respiratory hygiene and seek timely medical attention if symptoms arise.

Cases in Bengaluru

Two infants were recently diagnosed with HMPV at Bengaluru's Baptist Hospital. A 3-month-old female infant admitted with bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV and has since been discharged. An 8-month-old male infant tested positive on January 3, 2025, also presenting a history of bronchopneumonia. The child is currently recovering.

Both cases involve local residents without international travel histories, ruling out imported infections.

HMPV around the world

Globally, HMPV has gained attention due to recent reports of rising cases in certain countries, notably China, where health authorities are investigating a potential new variant. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been issuing updates on the situation, encouraging member nations to remain vigilant in monitoring respiratory illnesses.

In the United States, studies have shown that HMPV infections are more common during late winter and spring, with symptoms ranging from mild cold-like illness to severe respiratory distress. Australia has also reported seasonal outbreaks.