A 3-month-old baby, the first case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, was identified through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The baby was treated for bronchopneumonia at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru and has since been discharged. Following this, an eight-month-old baby in the city has also been diagnosed with HMPV, marking it as the second case.

The health department is closely monitoring the situation amid growing concerns due to an outbreak in China, although the specific strain of the virus is still unknown. A source from the state health department said, “The reports have come from a private hospital, and we have no reason to doubt the tests of the private hospital.” While the specific strain of the virus is still unknown, there are concerns due to a recent outbreak in China.

The health department provides advisory amid growing concerns

Following reports of the HMPV outbreak in China, the state health department issued an advisory. In their release, it was stated, "There has been no case of HMPV reported in the State of Karnataka," making the case of the eight-month-old the first such case in the state. The department also mentioned that, based on the data of respiratory infections, the reported number of cases in December 2024 was not significantly higher than in the previous year.

In Kerala, Health Minister Veena George said that the state is keeping a close watch on the situation and getting ready to handle any possible cases of the virus. Even though this is the first confirmed case in Karnataka, authorities are being careful and waiting for more information about the virus.