An 80-year-old man in Ahmedabad has tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking the first case of an elderly person contracting the respiratory virus in India since the outbreak in China. The patient, who has no recent travel history, was admitted to a private hospital on Wednesday and tested positive on Thursday. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) reported that the man has a history of asthma, but his condition is currently stable.
HMPV is a viral respiratory infection that typically causes symptoms similar to the common cold, such as a runny nose and cough. In some cases, it can lead to more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing and chest pain. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and potentially airborne particles. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), such viral infections are common during the winter and early spring months, and the infection usually resolves on its own.
This case in Gujarat is the second HMPV infection detected in the state this year. The first case, reported on January 6, involved a two-month-old boy who has since recovered. The central government has assured the public that there is no cause for concern, emphasizing that the virus is not new to India and urging state governments to strengthen surveillance and awareness efforts to prevent its spread.
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