ICMR detects two HMPV cases in Karnataka; Health Ministry says no unusual surge in respiratory illness
Both infants at Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, had no history of international travel.
Summary
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance, the Union Health Ministry said on 6 January 2025. The HMPV cases were a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with bronchopneumonia, and neither had any history of international travel. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a virtual review with States and UTs the same day, noting that IDSP and ICMR data showed no unusual rise in ILI/SARI cases and that HMPV has been present globally since 2001. States were advised to strengthen ILI/SARI surveillance and public awareness of preventive measures.
Key facts
- Announced
- 6 January 2025, Union Health Ministry
- Cases
- Two, detected by ICMR through routine surveillance in Karnataka
- Patients
- 3-month-old girl and 8-month-old boy, Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru; no international travel
- Surveillance
- No unusual surge in ILI/SARI per ICMR and IDSP data
- Review meeting
- Chaired by Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava with States/UTs (virtual), 6 January
- About HMPV
- Present globally since 2001 (Health Secretary)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which organisation detected the two HMPV cases in Karnataka reported by the Health Ministry on 6 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — ICMR
PIB (Health): ICMR detected two HMPV cases in Karnataka through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens.
According to the Health Ministry, since when has HMPV been present globally?
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Correct answer: B — 2001
PIB (Health, 7 January): the Health Secretary said there is no cause of concern from HMPV, which has been present globally since 2001.
Consider the following statements about the HMPV cases reported in Karnataka on 6 January 2025: 1. Both patients were infants admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru. 2. Both patients had recently returned from China. 3. ICMR and IDSP data showed no unusual surge in ILI or SARI cases in the country. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Health): both were infants at Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with no history of international travel; ICMR and IDSP data showed no unusual surge.