The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka as part of its nationwide surveillance for respiratory viral diseases. 

The Union Health Ministry gas said it is closely monitoring the situation through established surveillance networks, while the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to provide timely updates on respiratory illnesses, including the evolving situation in China.

“The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed,” the health ministry statement said.

The two cases, the ICMR said,  were discovered through routine surveillance for various respiratory viral pathogens.

The cases involve an eight-month-old and a three-month-old baby, both of whom tested positive in Bengaluru.

Giving details of the detected HMPV cases, the ICMR said the  3-month-old female infant was admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. “She has since been discharged,” ICMR said.

The 8-month-old male infant, also admitted to the same hospital with a history of bronchopneumonia, is now recovering, the statement added..

The infected infants and their families have no recent travel history, ruling out exposure from other regions or countries.

“It is emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries,” the ICMR statement read. “Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.” 

Also read: India tracks China's HMPV outbreak amid rising concerns, says no significant spike locally - First Check