3 cases of HMPV in India: How the country is preparing to stop spread of virus

Two cases of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus have been reported in Karnataka and one more case is suspected in Gujarat.

The
two cases have been detected through regular screening for multiple respiratory viral pathogens as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to track respiratory conditions across the country.

These cases come at a time when China is witnessing a surge in such cases.

Amid the concerns over the possible spread of HMPV, the Union Health Ministry has asked people to maintain their calm, stating that China’s situation is “not unusual” and that India is “well-prepared” to tackle respiratory infections.

Additionally, state governments have released guidelines to ensure preparedness for any health issues associated with respiratory viruses, including HMPV.

What do we know about the two cases of HMPV in India?

An eight-month-old infant was diagnosed with
HMPV virus in Bengaluru on January 3, 2025, the Karnataka Health Department confirmed.

The child, who was admitted to Baptist Hospital, did not show any symptoms of concern. It is also not clear whether this was the same strain of HMPB causing a spike in China, as per News18.

Another case occurred in a three-month-old infant who was also brought to the same Bengaluru hospital. She was previously diagnosed with bronchopneumonia. The child has since been discharged from the hospital.

“It is important to note that neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel,” the ministry said.

According to a local newspaper named Gujarat Samachar, a two-month-old baby at a private hospital in Chandkheda has reportedly tested positive for the HMPV virus. Firstpost couldn’t independently confirm the news.

What is the Centre saying?

According to a Joint Monitoring Group meeting in Delhi, which was chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the situation in China is “not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season.”

“The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is the influenza virus, RSV, and HMPV — the usual pathogens that are expected during the season,” the ministry said.

Nonetheless, the central government stated that it is closely monitoring the situation through all available channels.

Several experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Disaster Management (DM) Cell, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, and hospitals, including AIIMS Delhi, participated in this meeting.

The Centre said India already has a robust surveillance system for influenza-related illnesses such as influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI). It stated that there has been no apparent rise in the number of ILI and SARI cases, according to data from the ICMR and IDSP networks.

“As a precautionary measure, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV will be enhanced by ICMR, and ICMR will be monitoring trends of HMPV for the entire year,” it added.

Data from the recently conducted drills to check preparedness across the country show that India is “well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses.”

“The health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges,” the Health Ministry said.

Dr Atul Goel, the Director-General of DGHS, said on Friday that HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses that cause colds.

He advised the public to follow the basic measures taken against any respiratory condition, which include avoiding close contact with people if one has a cold and cough in order to stop the infection from spreading.

How are the states preparing?

A series of health guidelines was released by
Delhi health authorities on Sunday in order to improve preparedness for any health issues associated with HMPV and other respiratory viruses.

The government has advised hospitals, medical professionals, and other stakeholders to improve viral case isolation, prevention, and surveillance. The hospitals are instructed to report ILI and SARI cases through the IHIP Portal.

Maharashtra has stepped up its monitoring for influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections. Dr Nitin Ambadekar, the Director of Health Services, issued instructions to increase their surveillance of SARI and ILI cases. He also assured the public that HMPV is not a reason for alarm.

The governments of Telangana and Kerala urged citizens not to worry in the wake of news of an HMPV outbreak in China. Kerala Health Minister Veena George urged everyone to wear masks and take extra care to prevent illnesses in a Facebook post, especially for elderly people, children, and pregnant women.

“We are monitoring the situation in China. If an outbreak is detected that has the potential to spread to other areas, we can check its spread very quickly,” she said.

The Telangana Public Health Department has urged citizens to follow guidelines while it closely coordinates with the Ministry of Health at the Centre.

Dr K Padmavathi, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, also assured people that the Andhra Pradesh government is closely monitoring the situation and is alert for any developments.

What is HMPV?

HMPV, which belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, is a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like upper respiratory tract infections.

While, it was discovered in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands, the virus is now a major cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, as per the American Lung Association. The symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.

The virus primarily affects young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, especially during winter season.

HMPV can cause respiratory illnesses and is easily transmitted from person to person or from contaminated surfaces to humans, according to the US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It is advised to take preventative steps, including washing your hands, wearing face masks, and avoiding contact when you are unwell.

There have been rising concerns over an increase in HMPV-linked respiratory infections in China. While social media highlights overburdened hospitals, the WHO and Chinese authorities have not declared a state of emergency.

With inputs from agencies