Lucknow has reported its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) after a 60-year-old woman tested positive. A private laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, and her sample has been sent to King George’s Medical University (KGMU) for further testing.
The woman, a resident of the Cantt area, was initially admitted to Charak Hospital before being transferred to Balrampur Hospital late Wednesday night. She is currently in isolation in Ward 11, where her condition is being monitored.
The detection of HMPV has put the health department on alert as 11 cases have been reported nationwide so far. Experts assure that there is no need for panic, as HMPV is a seasonal virus that causes symptoms like cold, fever, cough, and chest tightness.
Dr. Shailendra Kumar, a senior health official, said that the infection is manageable with proper care and precautions.
Human Metapneumovirus belongs to the Pneumoviridae family and has been present in the environment for decades, although it was officially identified in 2001. The virus is typically associated with winter seasons and flu-like symptoms. It was first confirmed in India in 2003 in children, as per studies conducted by BJ Medical College and the National Institute of Virology, Pune.
While the virus is not new, health experts recommend staying vigilant.
