Shafaqna India: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens, the Union Health Ministry announced on Monday.
A three-month-old female infant with bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Bengaluru’s Baptist Hospital. She has since been discharged. An eight-month-old male infant with a similar condition tested positive for HMPV on January 3 and is currently recovering, the ministry reported.
The ministry noted that neither patient had a history of international travel, emphasizing that HMPV is a globally circulating virus, including in India, with reported cases of respiratory illnesses linked to it in various countries.
Based on data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), no unusual surge in influenza-like illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases has been observed in India.
The Health Ministry assured that the situation is being closely monitored through all surveillance channels, and ICMR will continue tracking HMPV trends throughout the year.
India recently conducted a preparedness drill that demonstrated the country’s readiness to address any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, with timely public health interventions available if required.
