A case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection has been confirmed in a child at a private hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The child, who hails from Dungarpur, Rajasthan, was admitted to the hospital on December 24 with respiratory symptoms. After tests, the child was diagnosed with HMPV on December 26. The child’s condition has since stabilized, and the child is currently isolated for treatment. Initially, the infant had been placed on a ventilator but is now reported to be stable, according to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s in-charge medical officer of health, Bhavin Solanki.
With this case, the official tally of HMPV infections in India has risen to three. Earlier today, two cases were confirmed in Karnataka, both involving infants with a history of bronchopneumonia. The Union Health Ministry reported that one of the infants has already been discharged, while the other is recovering. Importantly, neither of these patients had a history of international travel, underscoring that HMPV is circulating domestically.
The virus has garnered attention due to reports of increasing cases in China, though there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in India. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is monitoring the situation through routine surveillance, ensuring that the country remains prepared for any potential increases in respiratory infections. Health authorities also clarified that global surveillance, including reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), continues to inform the measures being taken.
India’s health system is well-equipped to handle any increase in cases, with public health interventions ready to be deployed as necessary. The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country confirmed that India is ready to manage the situation effectively.
Health officials are closely watching HMPV trends and are keeping the public informed about any new developments regarding the virus.
