Mon Jan 06 18:02:39 UTC 2025: ## India Confirms First Cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
**NEW DELHI** – India has confirmed its first five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that causes flu-like symptoms. The cases, all involving infants under one year of age, were reported across three states: Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.
Two cases were confirmed in Bengaluru, Karnataka, affecting a three-month-old who has been discharged and an eight-month-old currently hospitalized. Another case was identified in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, involving a two-month-old. Single cases were also reported in Chennai and Salem, Tamil Nadu.
The Union health ministry stated that the Bengaluru and Ahmedabad infants had no recent travel history, suggesting local transmission. No immediate statement was released regarding the Tamil Nadu cases. The ministry emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will continue tracking HMPV circulation nationally.
While HMPV, first identified in 2001, is a known respiratory virus, its recent outbreak in China brought renewed attention to the illness. HMPV typically causes flu-like symptoms and poses a higher risk to young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
In response, the governments of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi have issued guidelines to prepare for potential HMPV-related challenges, mirroring strategies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
First Piper 