Assam Medical College and Hospital Detects HMPV in 10-Month-Old Child

A CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH: A 10-month-old child was detected with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and admitted at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH).

Confirming the development, AMCH Superintendent Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan said, "Four days ago, the 10-month-old child was admitted at AMCH for a common cold issue. Yesterday, the child was detected with the virus after a test from Lahowal ICMR-RMRC."

"On January 8, the baby was brought to the AMCH paediatric department. He was suffering from a cough and a common cold. Yesterday, after routine tests, the baby was detected to be HMPV positive. There's nothing to worry about because it is a common virus and not deadly. It was not the first case in Assam but was earlier detected, but this is the first case of this season," Bhuyan said.

He further said, "The baby has no travel history. The baby was isolated from his parents due to precautionary measures. The baby's health is stable, and he is playing."

"Since 2014, when such cases came to us, we sent samples to ICMR. It's a routine test, and after the test, HMPV was detected. The child was stable. Till five years, the virus affects the child. It is a common virus, nothing to worry about," Bhuyan said.

Dr. Biswajit Borkakoty, senior scientist, ICMR-RMRC, said, "Since 2014, we have detected 110 cases of HMPV in Dibrugarh district. This was the first case of this season. It has been detected every year; nothing new. We have got the sample from AMCH."

"The AMCH didn't have the virology unit, and we had to send the samples to ICMR-RMRC. The virus is not a new one, as it was earlier detected and is not dangerous. The condition of the child is stable; nothing to worry about this virus," said AMCH Principal cum Superintendent Sanjib Kakoty.

The virus is classified into two primary genotypes, A and B, which are further divided into subgroups A1, A2, and B2 and sub-clusters such as A2a, A2b, and A2c, among others.

A new study conducted by researchers from JIPMER-Puducherry, a premier national institute and tertiary hospital, reveals that human metapneumovirus (HMPV), known for causing respiratory issues in children, has not only been present in India for years but has also evolved.

 Also read: HMPV: The next pandemic?

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