The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) continues to make headlines in Gujarat as an eight-year-old boy from Sabarkantha district has been confirmed to have contracted the infection, raising the stateās case count to three. The boy, belonging to a farm laborerās family in Prantij taluka, had initially tested positive at a private lab. The diagnosis was later confirmed by a government lab on Friday.
Currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Himmatnagar, the childās condition is reported as stable, according to Sabarkantha District Collector Ratankanvar Gadhavicharan.
Gujarat reported its first case of HMPV on January 6, involving a two-month-old infant from Rajasthan, who has since recovered and been discharged. The second case, confirmed on Thursday, involved an 80-year-old man in Ahmedabad with a history of asthma.
HMPV, first identified in 2001, belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and is closely linked to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough, with most cases being self-limiting.
Health authorities emphasize vigilance and early diagnosis to manage the spread of the virus while ensuring public awareness about its mild nature and preventive measures. Stay informed and prioritize hygiene to protect yourself and your family.
