India has confirmed its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in an eight-month-old baby in the southern state of Karnataka. This news emerges against the backdrop of an HMPV outbreak in China that has raised alarms worldwide. 

Local media reports indicate that the case was identified at a hospital in Bangalore; however, officials from the state health department have yet to independently verify the results. In response to the situation, the Health Ministry has reassured the public, stating that there is no reason for alarm and that they are closely monitoring developments. The Ministry has also requested updates from the World Health Organization.

HMPV is a common respiratory virus typically seen during winter and early spring, known to cause both upper and lower respiratory infections. It primarily affects children and accounts for approximately 0.7 percent of flu cases globally.