An eight-month-old baby in Bengaluru has tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking the first reported case of the virus in India amid rising concerns over its outbreak in China. The Karnataka Health Department confirmed the case, noting that the child has no travel history, which raises questions about how the infection was contracted.
The case was detected at a private hospital, and while the sample has not yet been tested in a government lab for confirmation, it has been communicated to the Union Health Ministry. Officials are awaiting further details on whether this strain of HMPV is related to the one causing a surge in cases in China.
The Union Health Ministry has stated that India is prepared to manage respiratory illnesses and is closely monitoring the situation. A joint monitoring group meeting was held to discuss the recent rise in respiratory infections, emphasizing that the current situation is not unusual given the ongoing flu season. The ministry reassured the public that there is no cause for panic, as HMPV is not a new virus and has been present in India for years.
HMPV primarily affects young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, causing symptoms similar to those of the common cold. These can include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Health officials recommend general precautions to prevent respiratory infections, such as practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
As health departments across states like Karnataka and Kerala ramp up monitoring efforts, officials are urging vigilance while maintaining that most HMPV cases are mild and manageable without hospitalization.