Guwahati has reported its first confirmed case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with a 75-year-old woman being treated at Apollo Hospitals. The patient is currently stable and recovering without requiring additional respiratory support.
Meanwhile, her 80-year-old husband, who is experiencing similar symptoms, is receiving intermittent oxygen support. His sample is being tested for the virus.
Earlier, a 10-month-old infant from Lakhimpur, Assam, was diagnosed with HMPV and treated at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh.
Dr. Abhijit Sarma, Superintendent of Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), assured the public that HMPV, which has been present in India since 2001, is not cause for immediate concern. He explained that the virus primarily affects children under five years of age and causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and respiratory issues.
While HMPV is not as severe as COVID-19, Dr. Sarma recommended wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and seeking medical attention when necessary, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
