80-year-old man in Gujarat tests positive for HMPV

An 80-year-old man in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) on Thursday. A statement issued by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) confirmed that the patient currently receiving treatment for HMPV at a private hospital does not have any travel history abroad. India has at least 6 confirmed cases of HMPV since January 7.

All states have been advised to step up surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) and Influenza Like Illness (ILI) to identify any surge in respiratory illnesses in the wake of the spread of the largely benign Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. The Indian Council of Medical Research has said that HMPV is “already in circulation” globally, including in India.

The Himachal Pradesh government has issued directives to implement the Union Health Ministry’s advisory on the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) to ensure preparedness across the state. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhaniram Shandil reassured the public that while HMPV is a common respiratory virus, it primarily affects young children and the elderly, and there is no immediate threat to the state.