HMPV Virus Found in India: The First Case in Bengaluru.

India's First HMPV Case Detected in Bengaluru: A Breakthrough Discovery

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: January 06, 2025

Summary: An 8-month-old baby is suspected to have tested positive for HMPV.

The first suspected Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) case in Bengaluru is an eight-month-old. The laboratory report states that the infant's sample was taken on January 2.

According to BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) health department sources, the baby and its family did not exhibit any concerning signs and had no recent travel history.

The state health department acknowledged the validity of the findings from the private facility, even though they haven't independently confirmed them.

Children are the main victims of HMPV, which is believed to be present in 0.7% of flu cases worldwide. Karnataka health officials, however, have said that they do not currently have comprehensive information on the strain in question.

Amid an increase in cases in China, Delhi health authorities issued a warning on Sunday to prepare for possible health issues related to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other respiratory viruses.

To ensure proper surveillance, medical facilities were ordered to keep complete records of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and lab-confirmed influenza cases.

Additionally, they were advised to store medications such as paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, cough syrups, and oxygen to treat moderate cases.

The ministry has underscored that HMPV and various respiratory viruses are circulating in India; however, there has been no notable spike in respiratory illness cases beyond the usual seasonal patterns.

Additionally, hospitals nationwide have reported no substantial rise in cases of respiratory illnesses in recent weeks.

What is the HMPV Virus?

According to the American Lung Association, HMPV, which was initially identified by researchers in the Netherlands in 2001, is a significant contributor to acute respiratory infections.

This virus primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person, whether by contact with contaminated toys or doorknobs or through droplets from their coughs or sneezes.

HMPV usually spreads more widely in the US in the winter and spring, coinciding with other respiratory illnesses such as the flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).