HMPV Virus Cases In India: Children With No Travel History Tested Positive; How Is It Different From COVID-19?

An outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has sparked global concern, and India has now reported its first confirmed cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. Two infants, both with no history of international travel, tested positive for the virus in Bengaluru.

The first case involves a 3-month-old baby girl admitted to Baptist Hospital with bronchopneumonia. She was diagnosed with HMPV during her treatment and has since been discharged. The second case concerns an 8-month-old baby boy, who was admitted to the same hospital with similar symptoms and no travel history. He tested positive on January 3, 2025, and is currently recovering. Importantly, neither of the infants has any history of international travel.

These cases were detected through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). While HMPV is a globally circulating virus, there has been no unusual spike in respiratory illnesses like Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) in India, according to ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

This development has raised alarms over the virus's local transmission.

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections, similar to a common cold. It is seasonal, primarily observed in winter and early spring, much like the flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Is HMPV a New Virus?

No, HMPV is not new. The virus was first identified in 2001, but evidence suggests it has been present globally since at least 1958. HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes RSV.

The HMPV case detected In Bengaluru

The eight-month-old baby, who had no travel history, was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru after experiencing a high fever and respiratory distress. A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test confirmed HMPV as the cause.

Further investigations revealed that the baby's parents, who displayed mild symptoms, were also infected. Doctors at the hospital reported that the family is stable and under supportive care.

How Does HMPV Compare to COVID-19?

HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) share several similarities:

1. Affected Groups: Both viruses primarily affect young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
2. Symptoms: Common HMPV symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, closely resembling COVID-19 symptoms.
3. Transmission: Both viruses spread through respiratory secretions, close contact, and contaminated surfaces.
4. Seasonality: Like COVID-19, HMPV exhibits seasonal patterns, with infections peaking in late winter to early spring.

Is There a Vaccine for HMPV?

Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for HMPV. However, preventive measures can help reduce its spread:

• Wash hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Maintain distance from people showing cold-like symptoms.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid sharing utensils and cups.

Should India Be Worried?

Health experts are urging calm while emphasizing vigilance. Dr. Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, stated, "There is no cause for panic. While HMPV is not new, we encourage people to take general precautions to prevent its spread."

Hospitals in Bengaluru and other cities are being advised to enhance diagnostic capabilities and stay prepared for any rise in respiratory infections.

Meanwhile, Dr. Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr. Dang's Lab, cautioned that unchecked outbreaks could strain healthcare systems. He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, noting that "PCR testing remains the gold standard for identifying HMPV."