HMPV cases: 80-yr-old man tests positive in Ahmedabad

HMPV cases live: An 80-year-old man tested positive for human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat on Thursday, officials said, according to PTI.

The patient is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital and he does not have any travel history abroad, a statement issued by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) said.

HMPV cases live: China's Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that while the rate of influenza virus in the country has shown signs of slowing, the overall cases of acute respiratory infectious diseases continued to rise, reports Reuters.

In its latest report, the China CDC said that human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a common respiratory infection, remains at high levels, according to Reuters.

HMPV cases live: While the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has woken up to the emergence of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) cases in the country, screening of passengers at Pune Airport has not yet started.

HMPV cases live: Amid concerns surrounding the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus, WHO official Margaret Harris said that the rise observed in the number of common respiratory infections, is 'common' during winter and spring.

"Human metapneumovirus is NOT a new virus. First identified in 2001, it has been in the human population for a long time. It is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring. It usually causes respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold," she said.

HMPV cases live: “Both viruses cause minor respiratory symptoms in most of the infected people but Covid -19 has a broader spectrum of symptoms involving multiple body systems and a higher potential for systemic complications. The comparison between the two viruses is difficult though the spread is through the droplets via the respiratory route in both. HMPV is less transmittable and has less severe symptoms as compared to Covid-19,” Dr Sangeeta V Budur told HT. Read more.

HMPV cases live: As the concerns over the Human Metapneumovirus (HPMV) virus grows, a 56-year-old woman patient was found to be infected with the HMPV virus by “Charak Hospital”, reported ANI.

However, the director of Balrampur Hospital in the state's capital has refuted the claims, saying that her diagnosis was done without any supportive evidence.

HMPV live updates: Punjab health minister Balbir Singh on Wednesday reviewed the preparedness against human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

“No case of the respiratory disease has been reported in the state and there is no need to panic,” he said.

Dr Meenu Singh, Director of AIIMS Rishikesh, has reassured the public that the virus, which primarily affects children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, is "not a new threat".

“HMPV is a respiratory virus which usually affects kids under the age of five, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This is not a new virus...It usually affects during winter and occurs alongside RSV…” she told ANI.

The virus accounts for 4-16% of acute respiratory infections globally, with cases usually peaking between November and May. While most adults have developed immunity through previous exposure, hMPV can cause more severe symptoms in infants encountering it for the first time and in people with weakened immune systems.

The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. Studies show it has circulated in human populations since the 1970s, though it was first identified by scientists in 2001.

HMPV live updates: The Chhattisgarh government has formed a technical committee to monitor the status of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in the state, PTI reported.

The panel was formed after the Union ministry of health and family welfare directed states to create awareness regarding HMPV.