First HMPV Case of 2025 Detected in Assam: A 10-Month-Old Tests Positive
Assam reports its first HMPV case of 2025 as a 10-month-old tests positive in Dibrugarh. Officials assure preparedness to manage the virus effectively.
First HMPV Case of 2025 in Assam: 10-Month-Old Tests Positive in Dibrugarh, Officials Assure Preparedness
A 10-month-old child has returned positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Dibrugarh, with this being the first confirmed case of the year in Assam. The case was identified at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) during routine HMPV screening conducted at the Regional VRDL laboratory, ICMR-RMRC, officials said. While the lab has recorded over 100 cases since 2014, this is the inaugural case of 2025.
Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal assured the people that HMPV is not a new virus. He said that the state government is well prepared to tackle the situation as per the guidelines issued by the central government.
Routine Screening Detects HMPV
Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan, Superintendent of AMCH, shared the details about the case. The toddler had been admitted to the hospital for symptoms of common cold. “Four days ago, the child was brought to AMCH for treatment of cold-related issues. Following routine tests, the virus was confirmed,” Bhuyan explained.
He added that the child’s condition has remained stable, adding that HMPV is a common virus, mostly among children under five, and does not pose a dangerous threat in most cases. Bhuyan assured that there is nothing to worry about.
HMPV Cases Across India
India has reported a steady rise in HMPV infections since the beginning of the year. At least 10 cases have been confirmed nationwide up to January 7. The first infections were detected in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, followed by a case in Gujarat on the same day. Subsequently, cases emerged in Nagpur, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
The reported total contains two Bengaluru cases, two Chennai, three Kolkata cases, and single ones from Gujarat, Nagpur and Mumbai. All these are results coming after many documented HMPV cases for the month of December, therefore not a new issue in India.
Not A New Concern
Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured that HMPV is not a newly found virus. “This virus was first detected in 2001 and has been circulating across the world for a few years now,” said Nadda. He further cautioned people to not panic, adding that the medical systems were adequately prepared to tackle such infections.
Preparedness in Assam
Health officials in Assam have asserted their preparedness to deal with HMPV cases. Testing facilities are well-equipped and central advisories are followed strictly to ensure that the disease is diagnosed and treated in time. As awareness grows, the focus remains on monitoring and managing the virus effectively.
The detection of this case is a reminder of the importance of routine viral screenings and proactive measures to curb the spread of infectious diseases.
We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join.
Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.
