January 6, 2025: Three cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory pathogen, have been identified in India, raising concerns about its spread amidst a surge in infections reported in China. Two cases were detected in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and one in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Notably, none of the affected individuals have a history of international travel, suggesting local transmission.

In Bengaluru, an eight-month-old boy and a three-month-old girl were diagnosed with HMPV. Both cases involved a history of bronchopneumonia, a type of pneumonia causing inflammation in the lungs. The three-month-old has been discharged after successful treatment, while the eight-month-old, who tested positive on Sunday, is reportedly recovering.

In Ahmedabad, a two-month-old infant from Rajasthan's Dungarpur district tested positive for HMPV. The child, currently under treatment at a private hospital, is in stable condition.

HMPV, first identified in 2001, is a known respiratory pathogen that primarily affects infants, young children, and the elderly. Symptoms often include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. While HMPV is not new to India, these cases highlight its ongoing presence and potential for localized outbreaks.

The Union Health Ministry emphasized that there is no cause for alarm, citing the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) robust surveillance systems, which identified the Bengaluru cases during routine monitoring of respiratory illnesses.

Amid a rise in respiratory infections globally, health authorities have urged the public to maintain respiratory hygiene and seek medical attention for persistent symptoms. The government has assured that measures are in place to monitor and respond to any significant spread of the virus.

For now, all three cases are being managed effectively, and health officials continue to assess the situation closely.