HMPV Cases Detected in Bengaluru: Health Ministry Clarifies No Link to China Surge

HMPV Cases Detected in Bengaluru: Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in Bengaluru, prompting concerns as cases of respiratory infections are on a surge in China. However, the Union Health Ministry clarified that such cases are not related to the increase in infections across China.

Routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) detected HMPV infections in an eight-month-old boy and a three-month-old girl who were treated at a private hospital in Bengaluru. Both children had symptoms of pneumonia, with the girl now discharged and the boy recovering. Importantly, neither child has a history of international travel, indicating that these cases are domestic in origin.

The Health Ministry has clarified that HMPV is a globally circulating virus, and its presence in India is not new. In a statement, the Ministry said, “HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries.”

This clarification came amidst increased Indian authorities surveillance and monitoring as it also awaits the World Health Organization’s update about respiratory infections, especially in China.

Human Metapneumovirus is a well-characterized virus and is known to cause about 12% of respiratory infections among children. Isolated for the first time in 2001 in the Netherlands, it originated from avian metapneumovirus but has similarities to Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

HMPV causes symptoms of cough, fever, runny nose, and sore throat. It can progress to pneumonia, especially in the very young, elderly, or people with impaired immune systems.

The ICMR has continued to track respiratory infections within the country, including influenza and RSV. Data for recent months suggest that Influenza B Victoria lineage and RSV have dominated the causative agents of respiratory illnesses in India.

Winter months are generally associated with an increase in cases of respiratory infections worldwide. While it has been reported that China has experienced an increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae after all severe restrictions under the pandemic protocol were abolished, according to Indian experts, no direct connection to the cases in Bengaluru has been observed.

The Health Ministry has set up a Joint Monitoring Group to monitor the situation and ensure regular updates from the international health authorities.

Authorities urge the public to maintain good respiratory hygiene, especially for young children and vulnerable populations. Washing hands, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places can help prevent the spread of respiratory infections.

While the emergence of HMPV cases in Bengaluru has raised alarms, the Health Ministry’s clarification assures that these cases are under control and unrelated to international outbreaks.