India reports first Human Metapneumovirus Case of 2025 in Bengaluru

An eight-month-old baby in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking the first confirmed case of the year in India. The infant, who was treated at a local hospital, exhibited respiratory symptoms but had no history of travel outside the region, according to Karnataka Health Department officials.

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HMPV, a respiratory virus similar to influenza and the common cold, has been present in India for decades. It is known to cause mild to severe respiratory infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The diagnosis was confirmed through advanced molecular testing at a specialized facility.

Health authorities have assured the public that there is no cause for alarm, emphasizing that HMPV is neither new nor typically life-threatening. An official confirmed further that the virus is part of a group of respiratory infections that they routinely encounter. 

Doctors advise maintaining good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, to minimize the spread of respiratory viruses. While the isolated case has raised awareness, health officials reiterated that the situation is under control and there is no need for panic.