Suspected HMPV Case in Gujarat: 8-Year-Old in ICU, Samples Sent for Testing
The rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China has caused global concern, and now a suspected case has been reported in Sabarkantha, Gujarat. Cases have also been noted in four states of India, with all patients being children. The Gujarat health department has become vigilant and initiated necessary preparations in various hospitals across the state to tackle potential HMPV situations.
Suspected HMPV Case in an 8-Year-Old
An 8-year-old boy from a rural area in Prantij Taluka was admitted to a private hospital in Himatnagar for treatment. Samples were sent for testing, and the results confirmed HMPV. After the report, the district health officer was informed, and the health department collected two additional samples, which were sent to Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad for further testing.
Samples Sent to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar for Testing
As per reports, the 8-year-old boy, who belongs to a farmer’s family, was brought to Baby Care Hospital in Himatnagar with fever, cough, and cold symptoms. After initial tests, his samples were sent to a private laboratory, and results confirmed HMPV. Following this, the health department collected additional samples, which were sent for testing in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
Child Admitted in ICU, Showing Improvement
Dr. Imtiyaz Meman, a pediatric specialist at Baby Care Hospital, stated that the 8-year-old showed signs of pneumonia in his X-ray. After conducting tests, HMPV was confirmed. The child is currently in the ICU on a ventilator but has shown improvement compared to the previous day.
HMPV Confirmation Pending Final Reports
Dr. Raj Sutariya, Sabarkantha District Health Officer, stated during a telephonic conversation that the health department collected two samples from the hospital after being informed about the suspected HMPV case. These samples have been sent to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar for testing. The confirmation of HMPV will depend on the final reports. Currently, it remains a suspected case.
First HMPV Case in Gujarat Confirmed 2 Days Ago
Two days earlier, the first HMPV case in Gujarat was reported in a private hospital in Chandkheda, Ahmedabad. A child who was admitted for treatment has now been discharged. The baby, suffering from cold and fever for 15 days, required intensive care, including five days on a ventilator. Similar cases were earlier reported in Karnataka involving 3- and 8-month-old infants.
Schools Taking Precautionary Measures
Although no guidelines have been issued by the education department regarding HMPV, some schools in Ahmedabad and Rajkot have implemented their own preventive measures. Students showing symptoms of cough, cold, or fever are advised not to attend school, and symptomatic students are being sent home. Schools have also appealed to students to wear masks.
Guidelines Adopted by Schools to Prevent Infection Spread
To ensure safety, some schools in Gujarat have proactively issued guidelines. These include asking parents to keep children with cold and cough symptoms at home and isolating symptomatic students during school hours. Mandatory mask-wearing has also been introduced for such students.
School Authorities Speak on HMPV Precautions
Rupal Dalal, Principal of HB Kapadia School in Memnagar, stated that it is essential to avoid panic regarding this virus. To prevent the spread among students, the school has advised symptomatic children to stay home and has implemented mask mandates for those showing symptoms. Additionally, remedial lectures will be held for students missing classes.
Manan Choksi, Director of Udgam School, shared that 3-4 students with mild symptoms were sent home as a precaution. Instructions have been issued for symptomatic children not to attend school, and if symptoms are identified during school hours, students are isolated and sent home promptly.
