Puducherry Health Department has confirmed that a child recently admitted to a private hospital has tested positive for human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The test result was received yesterday.

According to a release from the Union Territory Health Department, the child has fully recovered and has been discharged.

Health officials have provided precautionary health guidance to the child’s parents and reassured the public that the situation is under control. Suspected cases of HMPV will be tested at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, which has adequate testing kits, and efforts are underway to enable testing at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute.

To strengthen preparedness, a 10-bed exclusive ward with ICU facilities has been set up at the Government Hospital for Chest Diseases in Gorimedu to cater to elderly patients who may test positive. Additionally, a 6-bed ICU facility has been established at the Rajiv Gandhi Women and Children Hospital for pediatric cases.

The administration is maintaining constant vigilance and implementing precautionary measures. Public health awareness campaigns are being conducted regularly through social media to educate residents about the disease.