Bengaluru has reported suspected human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection cases in two babies, both with no travel history. While BBMP health officials have raised concerns, confirmation from the state health department is still awaited.
A three-month-old baby girl was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has since been discharged following treatment.
The virus was also detected in an eight-month-old boy who was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Hebbal, Bengaluru, with symptoms of fever and breathlessness since January 2.
BBMP Health Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore stated, “The hospital has identified the infection, but additional tests are being conducted to confirm the viral load.”
A senior official from the Health and Family Welfare Department stated, “Multiple respiratory viruses are circulating in the city, and we are conducting thorough tests to confirm the presence of HMPV. Once confirmed, we will implement the necessary health protocols, increase testing, and initiate control measures.”
On January 4, the state health department issued a statement and advisory following China’s warning about an outbreak of HMPV in the country.
According to the union government, HMPV cases have been previously reported in India. Earlier, Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated that the state was closely monitoring the situation and was prepared to handle any potential outbreak of HMPV cases. “Children should not be sent to school during illness. Those with respiratory symptoms should definitely use masks. There is currently no cause for concern. We are monitoring the situation in China,” she said.
Videos circulating on social media show hospitals in China overwhelmed by a surge in respiratory illnesses. Reports highlight the rapid spread of HMPV, a virus with symptoms resembling those of the flu and Covid-19, raising alarm among health officials. Videos have shown overcrowded hospitals, with unverified claims suggesting a state of emergency in China. This has sparked concerns about the possibility of a new pandemic, five years after Covid-19 reshaped global life.
Symptoms of human metapneumovirus can range from mild to severe and typically include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and sore throat. Some individuals may also experience wheezing, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and, in rare cases, a rash as part of the infection.
