Gandhinagar: Gujarat government today stated that Gujarat has witnessed one case of HMPV virus. The government in a note released today afternoon said a two-month old child’s HMPV sample has been found positive. The child has come to Ahmedabad from Dungarpur in Rajasthan for medical treatment. The child is under treatment and completely stable.

It is learnt that the child mentioned in the press release is admitted in a privately run Orange hospital in the Chandkheda area of Ahmedabad. It has come to light that the child arrived around 15 days ago with a cold and breathing trouble, and it was on a ventilator for five days. The child is doing well at present. It has recovered and is ready for discharge. The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) team reached the hospital to gather the details of the case. A child was born with low birth weight and visited the hospital twice. It was referred first here on December 24. The child is from Dungarpur in Rajasthan and was first treated in Modasa and later admitted in Ahmedabad. According to Dr. Nirav Patel, who treated this child, it had arrived with increased cold and coughing linked to breathing trouble and oxygen level down. It was detected as MPV, but whether it was the case of HMPV is yet to be confirmed. The doctor further said that after all treatment, the child has recovered, and now it is ready for discharge. The doctor said that MPV patients have been there since 2001 and there’s nothing new.

Meanwhile, the health department of AMC has served a show cause notice to Orange Hospital as it did not report the diagnosis of MPV patients to the civic body. The AMC notice states that the hospital admitted a 2-month-old child on December 24th, and after his Respiratory Viral Infection Panel test, he was detected with MPV on December 26th. However, the hospital did not inform the health department. The hospital revealed the case when the AMC contacted them today. Therefore, the AMC has demanded a reply from the hospital.

The State government has appealed the people to stay alert without fear, adopt the advisory released by the government and contact the nearest health centre if symptoms of virus are found. Health Minister Rushikesh Patel told media persons that HMPV is not a new virus. It was identified first in the year 2001. He further informed that the Health department of Gujarat government held a meeting on January 4 in anticipation and gave required directions to CDHO, MOH, Civil surge0n, SDH superitendent. The set up for detection of HMPV virus linked cases will be created at district hospitals, medical college linked hospitals and civil hospitals, he further informed.

Things to know about Metanevumovirus (HMPV)
– Metanevumovirus (HMPV) is a virus similar to other respiratory viruses.
– This virus has been identified since 2001.
– This virus is seen especially in young children and the elderly during the winter season and its symptoms include the common cold and flu.

What to do if you have symptoms of Metanevumovirus (HMPV)?
– Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
– Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use sanitizer.
– Stay away from crowded places and keep at least one hand’s distance from people suffering from the flu.
– Avoid going to public places if you have a fever, cough or sneeze.
– Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.
– Get enough sleep for a strong immune system.
– Stay in an environment with proper ventilation to prevent the spread of diseases.
– If you experience respiratory symptoms, stay home, limit contact with others, and contact the nearest government hospital immediately.

Don’ts in case of metanupneumovirus (HMPV) infection:
– Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless necessary.
– The infected person should ensure that personal items such as towels, handkerchiefs, or other utensils do not come into contact with or be used by another person.
– Avoid self-medication, and contact a health worker if symptoms worsen.

DeshGujarat

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