HMPV infection is in circulation globally, including India, ICMR clarifies

ICMR clarified that, according to current data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no significant increase in cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) across the country.

Hyderabad: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday, while confirming two-cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, clarified that the infection is in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries.

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, ICMR clarified.

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The ICMR in a statement said that both the cases of HMPV in Karnataka were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country. It is important to note that neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel.

The first case is a 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has since been discharged.

The second case is an 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is now recovering.

ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. 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, ICMR added.