HMPV Advisory to Be Issued for Incoming Travelers: Gujarat Government Takes Action After First Positive Case, RTPCR Test Made Mandatory

Following the first positive case of the HMPV virus, the Gujarat government has taken action. Now, RTPCR testing will be mandatory for travelers arriving from abroad.

Rushikesh Patel, in a statement, mentioned that the first case has been recorded in Gujarat. The case involves a 2-month-old infant. He assured that this is not a matter of major concern. Guidelines for foreign tourists will be determined based on the intensity of the virus.

State Government Prepared for HMPV; No Specific Medication Available

The central government will provide guidelines to the state government, and actions will be taken accordingly. The state government has already granted approval to purchase testing kits. Symptoms such as cold, fever, cough, and sore throat are common with this virus. The standard operating procedure (SOP) is to treat the symptoms. There is no specific medication for this virus. The state government is fully prepared to handle the virus.

Cases of a coronavirus-like virus that spread in China are now being observed in India. This virus is named Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). One case has been reported in Ahmedabad and two cases in Karnataka. The infected individuals include a 2-month-old infant, an 8-month-old baby, and a 3-month-old baby girl.

First Case of HMPV in Ahmedabad; Child’s Condition Stable

The first case of HMPV virus in Gujarat has been reported from the Chandkheda area of Ahmedabad. A two-month-old child from a nearby village, who had been experiencing cold, fever, and worsening symptoms for the past 15 days, was admitted to a private hospital in Chandkheda for treatment. The child’s condition is currently stable, and there is no cause for panic. The child is receiving treatment for common cold, cough, and fever-like symptoms.

Dr. Nirav Patel from Orange Hospital in Chandkheda, in a conversation with Divya Bhaskar, mentioned that the child had been suffering from cold and fever for the last 15 days. Due to worsening symptoms, the child was admitted to the hospital, and for five days, was kept on a ventilator. Given the presence of different viruses, the child was tested for various infections.

The laboratory tests revealed that the child was infected with HMPV. The child’s condition is stable, and there is no reason to panic. It is advised that people wear masks if experiencing cold, cough, or sneezing, and avoid crowded places where the virus could easily spread.

Health Minister Rushikesh Patel on HMPV Virus: Testing Facility to Be Set Up in Hospitals

Gujarat’s Health Minister, Rushikesh Patel, stated that the HMPV virus has been around since 2001 and is an older virus. The virus has spread more in China. The symptoms of this virus are milder compared to COVID-19. He also mentioned that a testing facility for this virus will be set up in hospitals.

Gujarat Government Issues Alert on HMPV Virus

The Health Department of Gujarat has stated that it has not yet conducted tests for HMPV in its labs. The report of this case has come from a private hospital, and there is no reason to doubt the validity of the report. The Health Department has issued specific guidelines regarding the HMPV virus, which include necessary precautions. 

Experts from the department have mentioned that HMPV is a respiratory virus similar to others, and currently, one case has been reported in Gujarat. Children and the elderly need to be especially cautious. Symptoms of this virus are similar to common cold and flu.

The guidelines suggest that individuals should avoid touching their eyes, nose, or ears unless necessary, and refrain from visiting public places if they have cold or cough. For stronger immunity, it is important to get adequate sleep, drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, and avoid contact with items used by infected individuals.