Centre confirms two cases of HMPV in Karnataka

The Indian Council of Medical Research has detected two cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, in Karnataka, the Union health ministry said on Monday.

The development comes amid reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China, particularly among children.

Both cases in Karnataka were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens as part of the medical research organisation’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses in the country, the ministry stated.

HMPV is a viral infection that causes flu or cold-like symptoms. However, the infection can lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the elderly, young children and those with a weakened immune system.

The disease belongs to the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus and was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. Its outbreaks tend to occur during colder months.

Among the patients identified is a three-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. “She has been since discharged,” said the ministry.

The other case was detected in an eight-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to the same hospital. He too had a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is now recovering.

“It is important to note that neither of...

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