HMPV Outbreak LIVE Updates: Govt lab confirms HMPV infection in 8-year-old boy; cases in Gujarat rise to 3

HMPV Outbreak LIVE Updates: Kerala Health Minister Veena George states, " HMPV is more likely to affect children and the elderly"

HMPV Outbreak LIVE Updates: Human Metapneumovirus Is Not A New Pathogen

Doctors confirm that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus, not a new pathogen. First identified in 2001, it has been circulating since the 1970s. HMPV symptoms are similar to those of a mild cold. Dr. Hamid Zargar, Medical Superintendent of Gandhinagar Government Hospital, stated, "It is a mild upper respiratory disease. Six cases have been detected so far in the country, but there is no need to panic," according to PTI.

HMPV Outbreak LIVE Updates: Gujarat Health minister says, ‘virus was found in 2001’

Reiterating that  HMPV is not a new virus, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel says, "HMPV virus was found in 2001 and is still found today. It is one of the many viruses that are found in the respiratory system. An advisory has been issued by the Gujarat government."

#WATCH Gandhinagar | On HMPV virus, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel says, "HMPV virus was found in 2001 and is still found today. It is one of the many viruses that are found in the respiratory system. An advisory has been issued by the Gujarat government." pic.twitter.com/X7F1xmZDiK

— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2025

HMPV Outbreak LIVE Updates: What are symptoms for HMPV?

HMPV ussually causes mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, such as cough and congestion.  It can lead to more severe complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, for those who have weaker immunity. Check few common symptoms:

cough 
fever 
wheezing 
difficulty in breathing
high fever 
dehydration 
chills
running nose