Two Human Metapneumovirus cases have been reported by the Indian Ministry of Health. These cases were found during routine surveillance that was intended to monitor respiratory illnesses across the nation. The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) regular monitoring activities to monitor respiratory infections have led to both of these incidents. Numerous nations have connected HMPV, which is known to be spreading globally, including in India, to respiratory illnesses.
However, the ministry highlighted that there was no rise in the number of cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) or Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in the nation, according to data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR. Bengaluru is home to the two infants afflicted by HMPV. After being brought to Baptist Hospital for bronchopneumonia, a 3-month-old girl was released. Following his admission with HMPV, an 8-month-old boy is still recovering after testing positive for the virus on January 3, 2025. Neither patient had ever left the country.
The public has been told by the Ministry of Health that HMPV is being closely monitored and that there is no immediate reason to be concerned about an epidemic. The ICMR continues to track the virus’s spread while implementing WHO advice into preventive measures. “ICMR will keep an eye on HMPV circulation trends all year long. The World Health Organization (WHO) is already giving timely updates on the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures”, the ministry added.
