Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], January 24 (HBTV): Two senior citizens who tested positive for the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Jaipur are now in stable condition.

In a statement released by hospital authorities on Thursday, it was confirmed that a man and a woman were admitted to Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur after testing positive for HMPV. Both individuals have co-morbidities but are stable after receiving treatment.

Principal of Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Deepak Maheshwari, provided further details: 'There are two cases—a 70-year-old and a 50-year-old, both with co-morbidities. The condition of both patients is stable now. They have been kept in separate enclosures.'

Maheshwari also mentioned that the patients are exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as cold, cough, and fever. He reminded the public that, in light of the ongoing health crisis since the Covid-19 pandemic, people should continue using masks and maintaining social distance.

Amid rising concerns around HMPV, neighbouring Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao reassured residents, saying that the state is prepared to handle the situation and there is no need to panic. "We are ready. All the districts have been informed to stay alert. I want to request that the people should not panic. This virus can spread but it is not dangerous. It can be treated," Rao told ANI.

She also advised people to stay healthy during the winter season. "Since it is winter now, there are chances of more people getting pneumonia, so I request everyone to get a mucus test done if they have any symptoms. They should also keep their hands clean, as we did during Covid-19," she added.

On January 9, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a rise in acute respiratory infections, including HMPV, in the Northern Hemisphere, noting that the rate of infections follows typical seasonal trends. (ANI)