The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, highlighting the virus’s presence through its routine surveillance efforts.
One of the cases involves an eight-month-old male infant in Bengaluru, whose sample tested positive on January 2. According to BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) health officials, the infant and his family had no history of recent travel and showed no concerning symptoms.
The second case pertains to a three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia. After being treated at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, she has since been discharged and is recovering.
Understanding HMPV
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), identified in 2001, is a respiratory virus causing flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion. It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. While it mostly results in mild infections, the virus can cause severe respiratory illness in infants, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
HMPV cases are globally rare, accounting for approximately 0.7% of flu-like illnesses. In the United States, the virus typically peaks during winter and spring, often overlapping with infections like RSV and influenza.
Karnataka Health Minister Speaks Out
Responding to the situation, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated, “This isn’t India’s first encounter with HMPV. The virus has existed for years, but further investigation is needed to confirm if this involves a new strain.”
Rising Concerns Over HMPV Globally
The detection of these cases follows reports from China of overcrowded hospitals linked to a surge in respiratory illnesses, including HMPV. Social media discussions also highlighted concerns about multiple virus outbreaks in the region.
Online Searches Spike in India
Google Trends indicates a surge in searches for terms like “HMPV virus symptoms” and “nasal congestion,” particularly in Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, following news of the confirmed cases.
The Union Health Ministry assures that surveillance systems remain vigilant, with the ICMR closely monitoring the virus’s trends to mitigate potential outbreaks.
