News Reporter
Dibrugarh, Assam – In a significant development, a 10-month-old child in Dibrugarh has been diagnosed with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking the first confirmed case in Assam this year. The detection was made during routine screenings conducted at the Regional Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) under the ICMR-RMRC at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), officials said.
According to hospital authorities, the child was initially admitted with common cold symptoms and later tested positive for HMPV. "The toddler was admitted four days ago due to cold-related issues. Tests confirmed HMPV, but the child is in a stable condition. There is no cause for concern," stated AMCH Superintendent Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan.
This case adds to the over 100 HMPV detections recorded by the VRDL lab since 2014, but it is notably the first case of 2025 in Assam.
Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal reassured the public that HMPV is not a new virus. "The state government is equipped to address such cases and is following central government guidelines to ensure preparedness," he said.
Rising HMPV Cases Across India
HMPV is a common respiratory virus primarily affecting children under the age of five. Nationwide, there has been a recent uptick in cases, with 10 confirmed since January 7 across states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
Health experts recommend vigilance and adherence to hygiene measures to curb the spread of respiratory infections. While officials emphasize that there is no need to panic, they urge the public to practice preventive measures such as regular handwashing, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places when unwell.
This detection highlights the importance of continued surveillance and public awareness about respiratory viruses, especially among vulnerable populations such as young children.