Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been identified in Karnataka through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The cases have been detected in two babies 3 months and 8 months old. Both of them with a history of bronchopneumonia were admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru. The youngest one has been discharged while the other infant is recovering. None of the infants has any international travel history.
Ministry of Health Affairs has emphasized the already circulation of HMPV across the globe including India. It has notified about no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country to have been reported by ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network.
The Health Department further assured India’s preparedness to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and prompt deployment of public health interventions if needed.
