Karnataka govt holds meeting to discuss precautionary measures for HMPV, says no need to panic

Bengaluru: Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were detected in Bengaluru on January 6, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a statement. Both cases had no history of international travel. The ICMR identified the cases through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country.

In Karnataka’s Bengaluru, the two cases were reported at the city’s private Baptist Hospital. A 3-month-old female infant, diagnosed with the virus after being admitted to the hospital, was later discharged. An 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, is currently recovering, according to the ICMR. Both children have a history of bronchopneumonia.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has heightened its surveillance and preparedness for the virus, reassuring the public that there is no need to panic. Following the ICMR statement Principal Secretary of the Medical Education Department, Dr. Mohammed Mohsin held a meeting with directors of all district medical colleges, providing instructions on handling potential new cases.

“The precautionary and effective measures to address HMPV were discussed during a video conference,” the department's statement read.

The Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare also reiterated guidelines and advisories regarding HMPV, initially released on January 4. “The department has analyzed data on prevailing respiratory infections, including the common cold, influenza-like illness (ILI), and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), and found no significant increase in reported cases in December 2024 compared to the previous year,” said Director of Medical Education, Dr BL Sujata Rathod, during Monday’s meeting.

The health department outlined precautionary measures, similar to those for COVID-19, including covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoiding crowded places when sick, and drinking plenty of water while consuming nutritious food.

The don’ts include not reusing tissues or handkerchiefs, avoiding frequent touching of the eyes, nose, and mouth, not spitting in public places, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals or sharing linens or towels with them.

This news comes amid an outbreak in China, sparking global concern, especially in Asian countries. Reports suggest that Malaysia is also seeing an increase in HMPV cases. The virus commonly causes upper and lower respiratory infections, with symptoms resembling those of a cold or flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV can infect individuals of all ages but poses a higher risk to young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

“ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures,” the apex research body said. It added that India’s recent preparedness drills conducted across the states indicate that the country is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses