India’s HMPV Alert: Chennai Confirms Two Cases, India Logs Fifth Infection

India has confirmed its fifth case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with two children testing positive in Chennai, following the detection of earlier cases in Bengaluru, Karnataka and Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The new cases in Chennai bring the total number of infections in India to five, highlighting the virus's growing geographical reach. This respiratory virus, linked to respiratory illnesses and neurological symptoms, has been a cause of concern for health authorities.

The initial cases in Karnataka and Gujarat were identified through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as part of efforts to track respiratory viral pathogens. Meanwhile, China is also witnessing a surge in HMPV infections, further raising global concern about the virus's spread.

However, according to data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in India.

The two affected infants, a 3-month-old female and an 8-month-old male, were admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru with bronchopneumonia. The 3-month-old was diagnosed with HMPV and has since been discharged. The 8-month-old, who has no travel history, tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, and is currently recovering. Neither of the patients has a history of international travel, indicating the local circulation of the virus.

The state health department clarified that the sample was not tested in their lab. "The report was provided by a private hospital, and we have no reason to doubt its accuracy," sources from the health department told India Today. The baby was admitted to Baptist Hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed.

Karnataka Health Minister Clarifies HMPV Strain in Bengaluru Not New

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reassured the public that HMPV is an existing virus commonly contracted by a certain percentage of the population. He emphasized that the infants involved are local residents with no known travel history to high-risk areas like China or Malaysia.

While acknowledging the outbreak in China caused by a new variant, Rao clarified that the strain seen in India remains the same, causing common symptoms such as cold, flu, and cough, and is self-limiting. The male infant, admitted on January 2 for viral symptoms, tested positive for both HMPV and Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus through multiplex PCR testing. The hospital notified state authorities, and the sample was sent to NIV, Pune for further investigation.

The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is primarily detected in children under 11 years of age, with approximately 0.7% of all flu samples testing positive for the virus. "We are yet to determine the specific strain of the virus found in this case, as we currently lack data on the strain identified in China,"source informed leading English daily. According to the state health department, the child has no travel history and has notified the Union Health Ministry.

In light of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, Karnataka's health officials have put forth several guidelines to prevent the spread of this respiratory virus, which particularly impacts children and the elderly.

Preventive Measures for HMPV

Measures include staying away from crowded places, adhering to respiratory hygiene, and regular handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. The advice extends to maintaining distance from those who are ill, not reusing tissues, and avoiding the sharing of personal items such as towels and linen. The public is urged to stay hydrated, eat healthily, and abstain from self-medication.

The health department in Karnataka has taken proactive steps to ensure the well-being of its residents amid global concerns about HMPV. Dr. Ansar Ahmed, the project director of the integrated disease surveillance programme (IDSP), emphasized that HMPV leads to cold and flu-like symptoms during the winter months, posing a significant risk to vulnerable groups. In response, the state has not only issued preventative guidelines but has also closely monitored the situation for any increase in illnesses related to cold, including Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).

Harsh Gupta, the principal secretary of health and family welfare for Karnataka, has assured the public that, as of December 2024, there has been no significant uptick in reports of common colds, ILI, or SARI cases compared to the previous year. This situation suggests that the measures taken by the state, combined with the vigilance of its healthcare system, have been effective in mitigating the impact of HMPV within its borders. Gupta's statement offers reassurance to the community, highlighting the absence of the virus in Karnataka despite its prevalence elsewhere.

Furthermore, additional guidelines have been issued to reinforce public health safety, including discouraging the act of spitting in public spaces, minimizing the touching of one's face, and urging those with fever, cough, or sneezing symptoms to remain at home. These comprehensive measures reflect the state's commitment to protecting its population from the spread of HMPV and other respiratory illnesses, ensuring a collective approach to health and safety.