HMPV in India: Eight-month-old tests positive for Human Metapneumovirus in Bengaluru, says report

A case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), said to be responsible for a spike in respiratory illnesses in China, was reportedly detected in Bengaluru. News 18 reported that an eight-month-old child in Bengaluru tested positive for HMPV.

According to the report, the child was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru. The child does not have any travel history.

The report added that the Karnataka Health Department confirmed the case, saying that medical tests of the child were positive. Mint could not independently confirm the report.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) can cause respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Recent reports of an outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China raised alarm globally. India’s Ministry of Health said the situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season. “The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is Influenza virus, RSV and HMPV – the usual pathogens that are expected during the season,” it added.