Karnataka has reported two suspected cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in Bengaluru, involving infants with no recent travel history. The cases have been flagged by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) health officials, while the state health department awaits further confirmation.

An eight-month-old boy was admitted to Bengaluru Baptist Hospital, Hebbal, on January 2 with symptoms of fever and breathlessness. Multiplex PCR testing detected microbial RNA/DNA indicative of HMPV in the eight-month-old boy. The same hospital also treated a three-month-old baby girl who was admitted with bronchopneumonia. She was subsequently diagnosed with HMPV and has since been discharged.

BBMP Health Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore stated, “The hospital has detected the infection, but additional tests are being carried out to confirm the viral load.”

According to medical experts, HMPV is a respiratory virus that primarily affects young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, causing symptoms ranging from mild cold-like illnesses to severe respiratory distress. Both cases in Bengaluru highlight the need for increased vigilance as respiratory viruses circulate widely in the city.

A senior official from the Health and Family Welfare Department stated, "Given the circulation of multiple respiratory viruses in the city, comprehensive testing is underway to confirm the presence of HMPV."If confirmed, we will initiate appropriate health protocols, ramp up testing, and implement control measures to address the situation effectively."

The state health department is monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with hospitals to ensure appropriate response measures are in place. Public health officials have urged hospitals and laboratories to report similar cases promptly to facilitate timely intervention and containment efforts.