Two infants in Bengaluru, India, have tested positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking the first confirmed cases of the virus in the country. The Ministry of Health confirmed on Monday that the two infants, a three-month-old female and an eight-month-old male, were admitted to Baptist Hospital, both with a history of bronchopneumonia. The female infant was discharged after treatment, while the male infant is still recovering.
The Ministry emphasized that neither child had recent international travel history, underscoring that HMPV is already circulating globally, including within India. The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), trends in HMPV circulation will continue to be tracked throughout the year.
Also Read: New Virus Outbreak in China Key Facts You Need to Know
Although the virus is known to cause cold-like symptoms, it can lead to severe illness in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. HMPV is seasonal, with higher prevalence in winter, and has been known to cause pneumonia in some cases. However, there has been no unusual surge in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) in India at this time.
With rising cases globally, including in China, the Indian Health Ministry held a meeting to review the developments. Experts suggest that the drop in immunity during COVID-19 restrictions might have contributed to a recent surge in respiratory infections, including HMPV, once restrictions were lifted.
