Bengaluru ,January 6, 2025, In a significant health update, an eight-month-old baby in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking India’s first confirmed case of 2025. The infant was admitted to a local hospital for treatment and is reportedly stable.
Health officials from the Karnataka Health Department confirmed the diagnosis, noting that the baby had no travel history outside the region. Authorities have emphasized that there is no immediate cause for public concern.
HMPV is a respiratory virus known to cause symptoms similar to the common cold or influenza. It has been present in India for decades and is not considered a new or emerging pathogen. Typically, it spreads through close contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces, affecting children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems more severely.
While most HMPV cases resolve without complications, health experts recommend maintaining good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks in crowded spaces, and isolating symptomatic individuals to prevent the spread of respiratory infections.
This case highlights the importance of monitoring respiratory viruses, especially during seasonal outbreaks, to ensure early detection and appropriate medical intervention. Authorities continue to reassure the public that the situation remains under control.
