'No Need For Panic': Karnataka Health Minister Assures After Two HMPV Cases Reported

In Karnataka, HMPV cases involved two infants, a three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy, who were both admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru.

After two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in Bengaluru on Monday (6th January 2025), Karnataka’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, convened an emergency meeting with the officials today.

"There is no need for panic, as the situation is under control. The Centre has also reassured the public, stating that there is no cause for fear... This is not a new virus, and there is no need for alarm," the Karnataka Health Minister said after the meeting.

In Karnataka, HMPV cases involved two infants, a three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy, who were both admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. These cases were detected through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which monitors respiratory diseases. While neither child had a history of international travel, both had a background of bronchopneumonia. The girl has been discharged, and the boy is on the path to recovery.

Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry has assured that India is fully prepared to manage respiratory illnesses. As of now, surveillance mechanisms indicate no unusual surge in cases. On Saturday, the ministry conducted a joint monitoring group meeting to discuss reports of a rise in respiratory illnesses in China over the past few weeks.

What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)? 

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that primarily causes symptoms resembling the common cold, including cough, fever, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and shortness of breath. According to the American Lung Association, it was first identified by Dutch scientists in 2001 and is now recognized as a significant cause of respiratory infections.  

The Cleveland Clinic notes that while HMPV infections are generally mild, they can become severe in vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

How Does HMPV Spread?  

HMPV spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that despite being a relatively recent discovery, HMPV is now considered a major cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections worldwide.  

Symptoms Of HMPV  

Most cases of HMPV result in mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to those of a common cold. According to the American Lung Association, typical symptoms include:  
- Cough  
- Runny nose or nasal congestion  
- Sore throat  
- Fever  

In more severe cases, especially in high-risk groups, symptoms may include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and asthma exacerbations.