Daijiworld Media Network- Gujarat

Gujarat, Jan 10: An 80-year-old man in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) as confirmed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Thursday. The patient, currently receiving treatment at a private hospital, does not have any recent travel history abroad. This marks one of several confirmed cases of HMPV in India, with at least 6 cases reported since January 7.

Health ministry and HMPV surveillance

The Indian Health Ministry has directed all states to enhance surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) and Influenza Like Illness (ILI) to monitor any potential surge in respiratory illnesses, especially in light of HMPV spreading globally, including in India. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has stated that HMPV is in global circulation, posing no immediate threat, though primarily affecting young children and the elderly.

State-level preparedness

In response to the advisory, the Himachal Pradesh government has issued directives to implement the Union Health Ministry’s guidelines on HMPV to ensure state-wide preparedness. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhaniram Shandil assured the public that while HMPV is a common respiratory virus, it does not pose an immediate threat to the general population.