AHMEDABAD: In an alarming situation, the third case of the HMPV virus was confirmed in Ahmedabad on Monday at noon. The disease was diagnosed in a two-month-old baby in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The child is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital. It is reported that the state will issue guidelines after the first case was reported.

Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel said that the same protocols as for coronavirus will be followed for HMPV. Treatment will be based on symptoms. The government will set up the test kits within two to three days and the minister asked people to not panic. Guidelines will be issued if necessary.

The national capital has tightened security measures after three cases of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) were confirmed in the country. The Department of Health has issued guidance to prepare for the challenges that may arise due to HMPV.

Health institutions have been directed to maintain detailed records of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases and laboratory-confirmed influenza cases. Instructions have been issued to stock medicines like paracetamol, antihistamine, bronchodilator, and cough syrup, ensure the availability of oxygen cylinders and make isolation compulsory in essential cases. Top officials of the Delhi Health Department conducted a high-level meeting to comprehend the situation.

Earlier, the HMPV virus was detected in a three-year-old child and an eight-month-old toddler in Bengaluru. Both children did not have any foreign travel history. The doctors are still rummaging to find the origin of the disease. It is not clear whether it is the same Chinese variant. The Karnataka Health Department has informed that the samples of the babies will be collected and the tests will continue.