HMPV In India: First Case Reported In B'luru; How To Take Precautions?

The Indian Council of Medical Research has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, the Union health ministry said on Monday, January 6.  A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the ministry said.

In another case, an eight-month-old male infant tested positive. The infant has recovered from the illness, the ministry said. The report added the children do not have any history of international travel.

Sources in the Union Health Ministry said there was no unusual surge in cases of respiratory illness. It added that the Centre is well-equipped to handle the situation, reports CNBC.

What is Human metapneumovirus (HMPV): Symptoms, Precautions:

As the world withdraws from the festive season, a new health concern seems to be around the corner. The social media is replete with images and videos of patients crowding Chinese hospitals with a COVID-like infection. This new respiratory illness is caused by a virus named Human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

⚠️ BREAKING:

China 🇨🇳 Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums.

Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China. pic.twitter.com/GRV3XYgrYX

— SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) January 1, 2025

Despite the rise in respiratory illnesses, neither the Chinese government nor the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an official warning or declared an emergency. Healthcare professionals are therefore emphasising preventive care above all else. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation in China, announcing a pilot monitoring system for pneumonia of 'unknown origin', as per an Economic Times report.

Reuters has also reported that as respiratory diseases are expected to rise in the winter season, protocols for handling unknown pathogens are in place — a welcome contrast to the early COVID-19 response. 

The American Lung Association identifies human metapneumovirus (HMPV) as a significant cause of acute respiratory infections. Discovered in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands, HMPV typically spreads through close contact with infected individuals, either via respiratory secretions from coughing or sneezing or by touching contaminated surfaces like toys or doorknobs. HMPV infections are most prevalent during the winter and early spring months. 

The surge in cases is primarily affecting children and the elderly. Young children with developing immune systems are particularly vulnerable, while older adults and those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD face heightened risks of severe complications.

Currently, there are no antiviral treatments for HMPV. Most individuals can manage their symptoms at home until recovery. In severe cases, the hospital may administer oxygen tanks, IV fluids, etc. 

India Remains Watchful

Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr Atul Goel, said the Human Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes common cold, and it could cause flu-like symptoms in the young and the very old.

India remains watchful, urging hygiene practices as China battles surge amid respiratory illness spread. The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (NCDPA) has issued protocols requiring laboratories to report cases, while disease control agencies will verify and handle them.