India has reported five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat as of January 6, 2025.
A total of five cases across the country
As of now, India has confirmed five cases of HMPV.
India has reported its first cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bengaluru, where two infants were confirmed to have the virus.
The first case involved an 8-month-old male infant diagnosed with HMPV on January 3, 2025, followed by a 3-month-old female infant who was discharged after treatment. These cases were identified through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, marking the onset of HMPV detection in the country.
Apart from the two cases in Karnataka, a third case was detected in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, involving a two-month-old boy, while Tamil Nadu reported two additional cases, one in Chennai and one in Salem.
None of these patients had any history of international travel, indicating local transmission.
Government responds
Indian health experts and the government have responded to the latest developments. Union Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized in a video statement that there is no need for panic as HMPV, first identified in 2001, has been circulating globally and within India for many years. He reassured the public that the health systems and surveillance networks are vigilant and prepared to handle such respiratory viruses.
Director General of Health Services Dr. Atul Goel echoed this sentiment, noting that HMPV causes symptoms such as the common cold or flu, particularly affecting the very young and elderly.
What precautions is the government taking?
The government is closely monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels.
The ICMR has committed to tracking the circulation trends of HMPV throughout the year to prevent any unusual surges. Additionally, the number of laboratories capable of testing for HMPV is being expanded as a precautionary measure.
The Union Health Ministry has also requested timely information from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the situation in China, where HMPV cases have increased.
States issue health advisories
Health advisories have been issued across various states, including Karnataka, Delhi, and Maharashtra, urging the public to maintain hygiene, wear masks when symptomatic, and avoid crowded places.
The focus is on preventing the spread, especially among children, the elderly, and those with weak immunity.
Health experts have pointed out that while HMPV is not new and has been observed in India multiple times, particularly during the winter, there’s no indication of it becoming a major health crisis akin to the COVID-19 pandemic.
