While the entire world is concerned about the HMPV outbreak in China, the first case of the virus has been detected in India’s Bengaluru city. “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 been since discharged. 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,” the government has confirmed.
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It is important to note that neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel, the official statement confirms.
Reports further say citing the state health department that the sample of the baby was not tested in their lab instead the reports have come from a private hospital. “The reports have come from a private hospital and we have no reason to doubt the tests of the private hospital,” a health department source had told the media. The state health department had released an advisory on Saturday saying there has been no case of HMPV detected in Karnataka, thus making this the first case.
See more: HMPV Symptoms: Infants older adults more vulnerable; common symptoms to watch out for
" Due to the patient identified in Bengaluru, many people in Maharashtra are also worried but from the health department we are appealing to all the people of Maharashtra, don’t relative yourself with the patient in Bengaluru. Please keep yourself safe by following the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Health Department and the central govt’s health department…there is no need for people to panic"
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar
First HMPV case in India seen in 3-month-old and 8-month-old babies in Bengaluru
“I don’t think we should be pressing the panic button, because HMPV is not a new virus, it’s an existing virus. The reports come out as this is the first case in India, which is not true. It’s an existing virus and certain percentage of people do get affected by this virus, and it is not something new. The child that got affected got no travel history, they are local people. China’s outbreak they are saying it is a new variant of HMPV. We don’t have the full details, and government of India is yet to provide full details to us, and maybe they are also trying to get more information,” Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told the media.
“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 Centre has said.
HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses
Amidst concerns around HMPV, Dr. Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services has reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm. He explained that HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, typically causing mild cold-like symptoms, with flu-like symptoms in very young or elderly individuals. Dr. Goel emphasized that hospitals in India are fully prepared to handle the seasonal rise in respiratory infections, with adequate supplies and beds available. He urged people to follow basic hygiene practices, and take general precautions to stay safe during the winter season. Union Health Ministry has posted on X.
HMPV causes mild infection
Dr. RR Dutta, HOD, Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram explains: There has been no significant increase in respiratory illness cases beyond the expected seasonal variations. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms like cough, fever, and nasal congestion, similar to the common cold. In certain vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, it may lead to flu-like symptoms or complications like bronchitis or pneumonia. However, there is no cause for concern at this time as the situation remains under control.
“The best way to prevent HMPV, like any respiratory virus, is through simple hygiene practices—washing hands frequently, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands, and staying home if unwell. For those with symptoms, measures like covering your mouth and nose when sneezing, avoiding close contact with others, and not sharing utensils can help prevent transmission. While HMPV can spread through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, most cases are mild and resolve within a few days. With appropriate precautions, we can effectively manage and mitigate its spread.”
HMPV symptoms: What you need to know
Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes diseases in the human lungs and respiratory tract, though it is one of the conditions that can simply mimic common cold or flu diseases. HMPV was found in 2001, in the paramyxovirus family, and due to its closer genetic relationship, it shares so much with Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV; HMPV can affect a wide range, but the individuals most vulnerable and prone to severe HMPV are infants, the young, geriatric patients, and those weakened by disease processes.
Infections due to HMPV tend to peak in late winter and spring as it is with other seasonal respiratory illnesses. Preventive measures include practicing hygiene, frequent handwashing, avoidance of close contact with ailing individuals, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Since no antiviral treatment specifically for HMPV exists, supportive care like hydration and fever management helps to improve symptoms. Higher awareness and early intervention would go a long way in managing and reducing the impact of this virus.
In infants, HMPV symptoms often mimic those of other respiratory infections and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Fever: Low-grade to moderate fever.
- Cough: Persistent and may become severe.
- Congestion: Nasal stuffiness or runny nose.
- Difficulty breathing: Rapid or labored breathing, wheezing, and flaring nostrils.
- Fatigue: Increased irritability and reduced activity.
- Poor feeding: Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding due to breathing issues.
In severe cases, HMPV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, requiring medical intervention. Parents should monitor for signs of respiratory distress, such as bluish lips or excessive fatigue, and seek immediate medical care if these occur. Early diagnosis and supportive care are essential for managing HMPV in infants.
Is HMPV similar to COVID?
“HMPV infection is NOT similar to COVID, and can not become a pandemic,” says Dr Sudhir Kumar, popularly known as the hyderabaddoctor on X. In a series of posts, Dr Kumar talks about HMPV, its prevalence in India and if there is any need to worry about the virus.
“The fact that these infants or their family members had no history of international travel confirms that this infection already exists in India. In fact, HMPV infection is routinely detected in several children suffering from flu every year,” he writes. Less than 5% of the HMPV cases require hospitalizations he says.
Let’s not compare HMPV with COVID
“… Let’s not compare this (HMPV) with Covid-19 because that was a completely new virus and none of us had immunity against it… HMPV has been described since 2001, and even based on evidence, it dates back to the late 1950s… By the age of 10, the majority of the children develop immunity against this…,” Additional Professor for Internal Medicine in AIIMS Delhi, Dr Neeraj Nischal told ANI.
States, UTs preparing to tackle the virus
Delhi government issues guidelines to prevent HMPV breakout
In view of the growing cases of HMPV, Delhi authorities have asked hospitals have been instructed to promptly report Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases. Hospitals are required to maintain proper documentation of SARI cases and lab-confirmed influenza cases to ensure accurate monitoring.
According to a statement, Dr Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services, convened a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state programme officer of IDSP on Sunday to discuss preparedness to address respiratory illnesses in Delhi.
“With recent reports in the media about the spread of HMPV disease in China, the government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a statement on Jan 4 that HMPV is like any other respiratory virus which causes a common cold and flu-like symptoms during winter season, especially among the younger and older age groups,” the Union Health Ministry has said.
“Most cases present with symptoms such as cold, cough, and fever, which are self-limiting and manageable with general medicine at home. Children rarely require hospitalization, as the infection is generally mild,” Dr Suresh Gupta, pediatrician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told the media.
“There are no HMPV cases in Andhra Pradesh. The virus, detected in China, does not warrant any panic,” Public Health and Family Welfare Director K Padmavathi, Andhra Pradesh said in an official press release and stated that the virus spreads from person to person, similar to Covid-19, primarily affecting children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immunity.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare Services stated in the official statement that till date there has been no case of HMPV reported in Karnataka.
“Currently, there is no need to panic regarding the spread of HMPV and the Health Department is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the Director National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,” the release stated.
“With recent reports in the media about the spread of HMPV disease in China, the government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a statement on Jan 4 that HMPV is like any other respiratory virus which causes a common cold and flu-like symptoms during winter season, especially among the younger and older age groups,” the Department stated.
