A confirmed case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been reported in Gujarat. A two-month-old girl is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ahmedabad. She was hospitalised in a private hospital on December 24 due to cold, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Though the test results confirming the diagnosis came on December 26, the hospital management reported the case on Monday after over a week.
This development follows the first confirmed instances of HMPV in India, reported in Bengaluru. Two infants, aged 3 and 8 months, were diagnosed with the virus. One infant has been discharged, while the other is recovering.
Dr Nirav Patel, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatric Intensivist at Orange Children’s Hospital, provided details of the case, stating, “We have detected the virus in a two-month-old baby. The infant was admitted to the hospital on December 24, suffering from cold and cough for 2-3 days. The parents, along with the infant, came from a village near Modasa. The child was on ventilator support after the oxygen level was not maintained. Almost five days after this, the child was getting better and ready to be discharged.”
The infant’s condition is now stable. Dr Patel reassured the public, saying, “There is no need to panic. This is a flu-like virus with general symptoms such as cough, cold, and, in rare severe cases, breathlessness. Preventative measures, such as wearing masks, washing hands regularly, and staying in well-ventilated spaces, are essential.”
AMC Takes Cognisance
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has raised concerns over the hospital’s failure to report the case promptly. An AMC health official has confirmed to Vibes of India that the diagnosis was made on December 26, two days after the infant was admitted, but the hospital did not inform the corporation as required.
The official said, “Action will be taken against the hospital for this lapse. A notice has been served to the hospital management for the delayed reporting.”
HMPV is a respiratory virus that often causes mild symptoms resembling a cold but can lead to complications in vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus can occasionally cause pneumonia or exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions. Cases typically rise during winter and early spring.
In response, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has convened a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), including representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and ICMR.
Surveillance data from India has not indicated any unusual surge in respiratory infections, but laboratory capacity for HMPV testing has been increased as a precaution.
Gujarat Health Dept Issues Advisory
The Gujarat Health Department has issued an advisory outlining “Do’s and Don’ts” to prevent respiratory infections. The advisory urges citizens to:
- Cover their mouths and noses with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use sanitiser.
- Avoid crowded places and maintain at least an arm’s length distance from individuals with flu symptoms.
- Stay at home and consult a government hospital immediately if symptoms appear.
Citizens are also advised not to self-medicate, touch their faces unnecessarily, or share personal items with infected individuals. The advisory emphasises, “Do not panic; precaution is safety. Strictly adhere to these guidelines.”
The ICMR will continue monitoring trends in respiratory illnesses, including influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), through its robust surveillance network. Hospitals nationwide have been directed to strengthen isolation protocols, ensure the availability of essential medicines, and report cases promptly through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).
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