10-month-old tests positive for HMPV in Assam, condition stable

New Delhi: A 10-month-old child in Assam has been diagnosed with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking the first confirmed case of the season. The child, who was admitted to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh four days ago with cold-related symptoms, is currently stable.

AMCH Superintendent Dr Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan confirmed the diagnosis on Thursday, stating that the child was undergoing routine tests for influenza and flu-related infections. The HMPV infection was detected after test results from the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (ICMR-RMRC) in Lahowal came back positive, according to a PTI report.

Child’s condition is stable

Dr Bhuyan reassured the public, saying that HMPV is a common respiratory virus and there is no cause for concern, adding that the child’s condition is stable. “It is a mild, self-limiting condition, and most patients recover on their own,” he said.

Dr Biswajit Borkakoty, Senior Scientist at the ICMR-RMRC in Lahowal, stated that this is the first case of HMPV detected in Dibrugarh district this season. Since 2014, a total of 110 HMPV cases have been reported in the area, with the virus typically surfacing during the winter and early spring months. “This is nothing new. HMPV cases are detected every year,” Dr Borkakoty explained.

HMPV is known to cause mild respiratory infections and is not typically a cause for serious concern, although it can affect people of all ages.

Comments are closed.