Fifth HMPV case reported in Ahmedabad Gujarat in 10 days
Ahmedabad: The fifth and latest confirmed Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) case in Ahmedabad came just ten days after the first case was reported. It was the case of a four-year-old boy. This fresh development in Gujarat causes further scare for the state’s health. Especially with HMPV gaining some worldwide attention after an epidemic started in China. This thus does add up to the fact that six HMPVs have been detected in Gujarat so far.
This little child has been a resident of Krishnagar. It was January 13 when he had been in Zydus Hospital with symptoms with fever, cold, and cough. That very day, the first test for HMPV. It was confirmed by the hospital, says Dr. Bhavin Solanki, Medical Officer of Health of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.
Three of the five patients seen within the city, each of which have been adjoining from Kutch district in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The very first HMPV case within Ahmedabad has been confirmed on January 6.
Recognizing the Dangers of HMPV
Common dark, cold-cough-causing HMPV are highly contagious and transmit respiratory droplets of pathogen-rich secretions into the air whenever someone sneezes or coughs. The young, very old, and the weak are the most susceptible here. HMPV is basically a respiratory tract infection.
The infection is spread via droplet/finger contact with a sick person and by touching different surfaces, etc.
Safety Measures and Public Health Reaction
Health officials have urged the public to practice good hygiene. It includes regular handwashing, wearing masks in crowded places, and keeping away from sick individuals, following the rise in HMPV cases. In Ahmedabad, hospitals have stepped up testing and surveillance measures to curb the spread.
The latest update serves as a significant reminder for the public to remain aware and alert. Since the health news of the day suggested an air of caution in monitoring the situation, a prompt medical assessment for anyone showing respiratory symptoms is recommended.
