India detects HMPV virus cases in two infants

India has detected two cases of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

The development follows the outbreak of the virus in China which has caused global concern.

HMPV, which was first reported in 2001 in the Netherlands, is a single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days.

It causes severe complications like pneumonia in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

It spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.

In a statement on Monday, India’s ministry of health announced that the country’s Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of the virus.

The ministry said the virus was detected in a three-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia.

The other patient is an eight-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 ministry said while the three-month-old has since been discharged, the eight-month-old infant is recovering.

“Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country,” the statement reads.

“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.

“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.”

The ministry noted that “neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel”.

“Union Health Ministry is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year,” the statement reads.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures.

“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.”