10-month-old infected with HMPV, 1st case this season in Assam

DIBRUGARH: A ten-month-old infant has been identified with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in Assam, marking the first occurrence this season, officials confirmed on Saturday. The young patient is receiving care at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh and has achieved a "stable" condition, according to authorities.
AMCH superintendent Dr Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan confirmed that the child was brought to the government hospital four days ago displaying symptoms associated with cold.
"The HMPV infection was confirmed yesterday after we got test results from Lahowal-based ICMR-RMRC," the hospital superintendent said. Bhuyan stated that, as a routine practice, samples are sent to the Indian Council of Medical Research for testing in cases of influenza and flu-related illnesses.
"It was a routine test during which the HMPV infection was detected. The child is stable now. It is a common virus and there is nothing to worry about," he said.
ICMR- Regional Medical Research Centre, NE, Lahowal (Dibrugarh) senior scientist Dr Biswajit Borkakoty said, "Since 2014, we have detected 110 HMPV cases in Dibrugarh district. This is the first case this season. Every year it is detected, and nothing is new. We have got the sample from AMCH and this has been found positive for HMPV."
Human metapneumovirus causes respiratory infections across all age groups, with peak occurrence during winter and the beginning of spring.
Most individuals affected by this virus experience mild symptoms, and their recovery occurs naturally without specific treatment.
(With inputs from agency)