Third Case Of HMPV Confirmed In Gujarat (image: Pixabay)

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: The third case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus in India has been confirmed from Gujarat. The state Health Minister Rushikesh Patel on Monday reported that HMPV has been detected in a two-month-old boy who arrive Rajasthan’s Dungarpur for Sarwar. The child was admitted to private hospital in the Ahmedabad’s Chandkheda area.

This marks the first case of HMPV in Gujarat. The child is in stable condition and remains isolated for monitoring, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation reports.

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Health Minister said that there was no need to panic at present and there were more than enough beds available in Gujarat. “There is no need to panic now, no advisory has been issued by the central body yet but it has been advised to stay alert. The state government is taking all precautions. There are more than enough beds available in Gujarat. Ventilator, beds, and oxygen is available but this will not be needed,” Business Today quotes, as Health Minister is saying.

Earlier in the day, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. Both cases – first one, a 3-month-old female infant and second, a 8-month-old male infant – were detected at Bangalore’s Baptist Hospital.

The first case involved female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia has been discharged from the hospital after successful treatment. The second case involved male infant with similar medical history is currently recovering and in stable condition. Neither child has a history of international travel, emphasising the local circulation of HMPV.

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The Union Health ministry assured the public that HMPV, a globally circulating pathogen, is not causing an unusual increase in respiratory illnesses. Data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR indicate no significant surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases across India.

HMPV, a respiratory virus, primarily affects upper and lower respiratory tracts. Though anyone can be infected with the virus, it is most commonly seen in children, elderly or those with weakened immune system.