Global HMPV Tracker: Tamil Nadu Detects 2 Cases, India’s Tally Rises To 5

Global HMPV Tracker: Five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were confirmed in India on Monday, marking the first reported instances of the virus in the country.

In Bengaluru, a three-month-old baby, who has been discharged, and an eight-month-old, who is recovering at a hospital, were the two cases. A two-month-old was also found infected in Ahmedabad. One case was each reported in Chennai and Salem.

The affected infants and their families in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad have no recent travel history, the Union health ministry has said, ruling out exposure from other regions or countries. There was no immediate statement on the cases in Tamil Nadu. The HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China.

The ministry said it is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. The Indian Council of Medical Research (IMCR) will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year, it said. 

The governments in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi have issued guidelines – similar to those followed during Covid-19 – to ensure preparedness for potential health challenges related to HMPV.

HMPV, first identified in 2001, is a respiratory infection that causes flu-like symptoms. It can affect people of all ages, although children below five years of age, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk.

Here are the highlights on HMPV: