India’s Third Case Of HMPV Virus Confirmed: 2-Year-Old Tests Positive In Gujarat's Ahmedabad

A new case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been confirmed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, marking the first recorded instance of the virus in the state. This follows the detection of two cases in Karnataka earlier the same day.

The latest case involves a 2-year-old child admitted to a private hospital in the Chandkheda area of Ahmedabad. The child is currently undergoing treatment for symptoms linked to the virus.

Earlier, the Union Health Ministry announced two HMPV cases in Karnataka, identified through routine surveillance conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

• A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed at Bengaluru's Baptist Hospital and has since been discharged.
• An eight-month-old male infant with a similar history tested positive for HMPV on January 3 and is now recovering.

The ministry emphasized that neither of the Karnataka cases had any history of international travel, highlighting the local circulation of the virus.

The Health Ministry noted that HMPV is a globally circulating virus known to cause respiratory illnesses. Current data from the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) indicate no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in India.

Despite this, Gujarat has issued an advisory, urging heightened surveillance and public awareness. The ICMR continues to monitor HMPV trends throughout the year.
Amid rising respiratory illness cases in China, India's recent preparedness drills demonstrate the country's capability to manage potential outbreaks. The Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), is actively monitoring the situation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is also providing updates on global trends, including the situation in China, to guide measures for containment and mitigation.

The Health Ministry has assured that surveillance and public health interventions are in place to address any potential rise in HMPV cases effectively.