assam-reports-first-hmpv-case-10-month-old-hospitalised

Assam has reported its first case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection for the current season, with a 10-month-old child testing positive for the virus at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh.

 

The infant is undergoing treatment and is said to be “stable,” according to officials.

 

The child was admitted to AMCH with cold-related symptoms four days ago, said Dr Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan, superintendent of the state-run hospital.

 

“The HMPV infection was confirmed yesterday after we received the test results from Lahowal-based ICMR-RMRC,” PTI quoted him as saying.

 

Dr Bhuyan added that samples are routinely sent to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for tests in influenza and flu-related cases.

 

“It was a routine test during which the HMPV infection was detected. The child is stable now. It is a common virus, and there is nothing to worry about,” he stated.

 

Since 2014, the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre in Lahowal (Dibrugarh) has detected 110 HMPV cases in the district.

 

Dr Biswajit Borkakoty, senior scientist at the centre, noted, “This is the first case this season. Every year, it is detected, and nothing is new. We have got the sample from AMCH, and this has been found positive for HMPV.”

 

The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus, causing mild cold-like symptoms. It accounts for 4-16% of acute respiratory infections globally, with cases typically peaking between November and May.

 

While most adults have developed immunity through previous exposure, HMPV can lead to severe symptoms in infants and individuals with weakened immune systems.

 

In other states, similar cases have been reported. Gujarat has seen three cases, with an eight-year-old boy from Sabarkantha district testing positive, and Maharashtra has detected two suspected cases in Nagpur.

 

Both patients in Maharashtra were in good health, with their samples sent for further testing.

 

The Assam Health Department and ICMR are actively monitoring the situation, ensuring timely medical intervention and necessary support for the affected individuals.