While the entire world is concerned about the HMPV outbreak in China, the first case of the virus has been detected in India's Bengaluru city. "A 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has been since discharged. An 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is now recovering," the government has confirmed.

It is important to note that neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel, the official statement confirms.

Reports further say citing the state health department that the sample of the baby was not tested in their lab instead the reports have come from a private hospital. “The reports have come from a private hospital and we have no reason to doubt the tests of the private hospital,” a health department source had told the media. The state health department had released an advisory on Saturday saying there has been no case of HMPV detected in Karnataka, thus making this the first case.
First HMPV case in India seen in 3-month-old and 8-month-old babies in Bengaluru"I don't think we should be pressing the panic button, because HMPV is not a new virus, it's an existing virus. The reports come out as this is the first case in India, which is not true. It's an existing virus and certain percentage of people do get affected by this virus, and it is not something new. The child that got affected got no travel history, they are local people. China's outbreak they are saying it is a new variant of HMPV. We don't have the full details, and government of India is yet to provide full details to us, and maybe they are also trying to get more information," Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told the media.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that primarily affects the lungs and airways. Discovered in 2001, HMPV is a member of the paramyxovirus family and is closely related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It can infect people of all ages but poses a higher risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

In infants, HMPV symptoms often mimic those of other respiratory infections and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Fever: Low-grade to moderate fever.
• Cough: Persistent and may become severe.
• Congestion: Nasal stuffiness or runny nose.
• Difficulty breathing: Rapid or labored breathing, wheezing, and flaring nostrils.
• Fatigue: Increased irritability and reduced activity.
• Poor feeding: Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding due to breathing issues.

In severe cases, HMPV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, requiring medical intervention. Parents should monitor for signs of respiratory distress, such as bluish lips or excessive fatigue, and seek immediate medical care if these occur. Early diagnosis and supportive care are essential for managing HMPV in infants.



States, UTs preparing to tackle the virus
Delhi government issues guidelines to prevent HMPV breakout
In view of the growing cases of HMPV, Delhi authorities have asked hospitals have been instructed to promptly report Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases. Hospitals are required to maintain proper documentation of SARI cases and lab-confirmed influenza cases to ensure accurate monitoring.

According to a statement, Dr Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services, convened a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state programme officer of IDSP on Sunday to discuss preparedness to address respiratory illnesses in Delhi.

“With recent reports in the media about the spread of HMPV disease in China, the government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a statement on Jan 4 that HMPV is like any other respiratory virus which causes a common cold and flu-like symptoms during winter season, especially among the younger and older age groups,” the Union Health Ministry has said.

"Most cases present with symptoms such as cold, cough, and fever, which are self-limiting and manageable with general medicine at home. Children rarely require hospitalization, as the infection is generally mild,” Dr Suresh Gupta, pediatrician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told the media.