• Source:JND
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HMPV Cases India: A day after an 80-year-old was found positive for the HMPV infection in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, an eight-year-old boy from Sabarkantha has been found infected with the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection taking the total number of infections in the state to three. The government's confirmation came after the boy was found positive for HMPV in a test run by a private laboratory and health authorities had sent his blood samples to a government lab for confirmation.

As of Friday, India has logged 13 cases of HMPV in several states including Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Of the 13 HMPV cases in the country, three have been reported in Gujarat, Maharashtra and West Bengal, two each in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

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HMPV: Eight-Year-Old Boy Found Positive In Gujarat

The eight-year-old boy, who was found positive for the HMPV virus, is reportedly admitted to the ICU but is said to be in stable condition. He was admitted to a private hospital in Himmatnagar town and was considered a suspected HMPV case until the government laboratory confirmed his positive reports.

"The government lab on Friday confirmed that the boy is infected with HMPV. He is currently under treatment and his condition is stable," said Sabarkantha District Collector Ratankanvar Gadhavicharan, as quoted by PTI.

Gujarat on January 6 recorded its first HMPV case after a two-month-old boy from Rajasthan was found to be afflicted with the viral disease. However, he was discharged after being treated at a hospital. On Thursday, an 80-year-old man tested positive for the viral infection in Ahmedabad city. The patient, who has been suffering from asthma, is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital.

What Is HMPV?

HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family. It is closely related to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus and spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces or coming into direct contact with infected individuals.

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HMPV Symptoms

As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the common symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. The infection can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia and presents symptoms similar to other viruses that affect the upper and lower respiratory tract. The incubation period is typically 3 to 6 days, with the duration of illness varying based on severity, comparable to other viral respiratory infections.

Cough

Fever

Nasal congestion

Shortness of breath

How HMPV Spreads:

HMPV is most likely spread from an infected person to others through

- Secretions from coughing and sneezing

- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands

- Touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes