HMPV is here: India detects its first case in Bengaluru

An eight-month-old baby in Bengaluru has been detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), raising concerns amid reports of an HMPV outbreak in China, as per several media reports.

The case was reported at the Baptist Hospital, but the Karnataka state health department clarified that the sample was not tested in their laboratory, reported India Today.

No need to panic: Govt

The Union Health Ministry, addressing concerns, assured citizens there is no cause for alarm. India is closely monitoring the global HMPV situation through various channels and has requested the World Health Organization (WHO) for regular updates. As a precautionary measure, the ministry plans to expand the number of laboratories testing HMPV cases and task the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with year-round monitoring of HMPV trends.


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A Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting was convened on Saturday, chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services. Experts from WHO, the Disaster Management Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), ICMR, and hospitals, including AIIMS-Delhi, participated in the discussions.

The meeting concluded that the current surge in respiratory illnesses in China is likely tied to the ongoing flu season. According to the ministry, influenza viruses, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and HMPV are common pathogens observed during this period, and their presence is not considered unusual.

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The ministry emphasized that HMPV and other respiratory viruses are already in circulation in India, but there has been no unusual surge in cases of respiratory illnesses beyond expected seasonal trends. Hospitals across the country have also confirmed no significant increase in respiratory illness cases in recent weeks.

India’s robust surveillance systems for Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), operated by ICMR and IDSP networks, indicate normal seasonal variations. Testing for viruses such as Adenovirus, RSV, and HMPV under these networks has similarly shown no unexpected rise in sample positivity rates.

Preparedness measures in place

The ministry noted that a nationwide preparedness drill conducted recently confirmed India’s readiness to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses. Health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring a prompt response to emerging health challenges.

The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a close watch over the situation and working with international health bodies to safeguard public health.