Red Alert update 2 - 1 st case of Chinese HMPV diagnosed in India
Introduction
India has reported its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in 2025, with an eight-month-old baby testing positive in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore). The case was detected at the city’s Baptist Hospital, marking a significant development in the country’s public health landscape.
Key points about this case:
The infant’s sample was collected and tested at a private hospital, with the Karnataka state health department acknowledging the credibility of the facility’s findings.
This is the first reported case of HMPV in India, raising concerns amid recent reports of an HMPV outbreak in China.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that primarily affects the lungs and airways, causing symptoms similar to the common cold and flu.
Symptoms in infants can include fever, cough, congestion, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and poor feeding.
The Indian government has responded to this development:
The Union Health Ministry has assured citizens that there is no cause for alarm.
India is closely monitoring the global HMPV situation and has requested regular updates from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The ministry plans to expand the number of laboratories testing for HMPV cases and has tasked the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with year-round monitoring of HMPV trends.
While this case has garnered attention, health officials emphasize that HMPV is a common seasonal virus, typically causing mild symptoms in most individuals. However, it can pose a higher risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Conclusion
As the situation develops, Indian health authorities remain vigilant, with existing surveillance systems for Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) showing normal seasonal variations.
