HMPV cases: Cases reported in Hong Kong and Malaysia after surge in China; India logs 3 infections

HMPV was at first identified by scientists in 2001.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat, the Union Health Ministry announced on Monday. The cases were identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens.

In Bengaluru, a three-month-old baby, who has been discharged, and an eight-month-old, who is recovering at a hospital, were the two cases. A two-month-old was also found infected in Ahmedabad.

The Union health ministry said it is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. The ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year, it said.

The governments in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi have issued guidelines to ensure preparedness for potential health challenges related to HMPV. This comes amid a surge in HMPV cases in China, leading to overcrowded hospitals and fears of a wider outbreak.

Photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China emerged on social media platforms. China is currently experiencing a surge in HMPV cases, alongside other respiratory illnesses like influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19. Reports suggest hospitals in some regions are overwhelmed, but Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) have not declared a state of emergency.

Beijing issued a press statement to address such concerns. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday that "respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season”. “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China. It is safe to travel in China,” she said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is yet to issue a statement on the outbreak of the virus in China and no state of emergency has been declared by the global health body or Beijing.

Japan is also keeping a close watch on the HMPV situation as it deals with its own influenza outbreak, with over 94,000 flu patients reported in mid-December 2024.

Hong Kong has also reported low numbers of HMPV cases but remains vigilant.

HMPV cases are now reportedly rising in Malaysia too. In 2024, 327 HMPV cases were reported in the country, a 45% increase compared to 225 cases in 2023. According to the Straits Times, Malaysia’s Health Ministry urged the public to practice preventive measures, including frequent handwashing with soap, wearing face masks, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus of the Pneumoviridae family, of which respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles and mumps are also members. HMPV can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, according to reports.

It was at first identified by scientists in 2001. However, children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness.