10-month-old detected with HMPV, first case in Assam this season

HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus. It is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in people of all age groups.

A 10-month-old child has been diagnosed with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection on Saturday, marking the first reported case of the season in Assam, reported PTI. The child is currently receiving treatment at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh and is reported to be in stable condition.

PTI report quoting Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan, Superintendent of AMCH, stated that the child was admitted to the hospital four days ago with symptoms related to a cold.

"The HMPV infection was confirmed yesterday after we received test results from the ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre in Lahowal," he explained.

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

"It was during this routine testing that the HMPV infection was detected. The child is stable now. HMPV is a common virus, and there is no cause for concern," he assured.

Dr. Biswajit Borkakoty, a Senior Scientist at the ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre in Lahowal, told PTI, "Since 2014, we have identified 110 cases of HMPV in Dibrugarh district. This is the first case reported this season. It occurs regularly each year, so this is not unusual. We received the sample from AMCH, and it tested positive for HMPV."

Human metapneumovirus is one of many respiratory viruses that can infect individuals of all ages, particularly during the winter and early spring months. The infection is typically mild and self-limiting, with most patients recovering on their own.