In a concerning development, a second case of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) infection in Bengaluru, the Union health ministry said on Monday. The latest case involves a three-month-old child who was diagnosed with the virus at the same hospital in Bengaluru where the first case was identified.

Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, which is part of ICMR's ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory diseases across the country. 

Earlier today, reports emerged that an eight-month-old child with no travel history was diagnosed with the infection at the Baptist Hospital in the northern part of the city. It is important to note that neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel.

"It is emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country," said GOI in a press release. 

The details of the detected HMPV cases are as under:

1. A 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV affer being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has been since discharged.

2. An 8-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia. The infant is now recovering.

Following both cases, the Karnataka government has notified the Union Health Ministry of the developments. While the state's health department has not specified the strain of HMPV involved, authorities are closely monitoring the situation.