Gujarat Reports Suspected Human Metapneumovirus Case in Infant

In China, it's part of a larger viral surge alongside Influenza A

A suspected case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has emerged in Gujarat after two confirmed cases were reported in Bengaluru earlier this week.

A two-month-old infant admitted to a private hospital in Chandkheda is believed to be positive for HMPV, according to preliminary reports on Monday. However, official confirmation from health authorities is still pending.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed the first two cases of HMPV in India earlier this week at a Karnataka hospital. The affected patients include a three-month-old female and an eight-month-old infant.

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

HMPV, first discovered in 2001, belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, alongside the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Despite its relatively recent identification, serological studies suggest that HMPV has been circulating in humans for over 60 years, with a global distribution.