Two cases of HMPV detected in Bengaluru

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of HMPV in Karnataka, the Union Health Ministry announced on Monday. Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for respiratory pathogens, conducted as part of ICMR's ongoing monitoring of respiratory illnesses across the country.

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The first case involved a three-month-old female infant diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Bengaluru’s Baptist Hospital with a history of bronchopneumonia. She received treatment and has since been discharged. The second case, detected on January 3, concerned an eight-month-old male infant admitted to the same hospital with similar symptoms. He is currently recovering. Neither patient has a history of international travel.

HMPV, a respiratory virus similar to influenza, has been in circulation globally, including in India. Although the virus recently raised concerns following reports from China, health authorities clarified that it has been associated with respiratory illnesses in various countries for years.

The Union Health Ministry emphasized that there is no cause for public alarm, noting that there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in India.

Doctors recommend maintaining good hygiene, such as handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, to prevent the spread of respiratory infections like HMPV.