Nagpur, India: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has clarified that two children, aged 7 and 13, suspected of being infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), have tested negative for the virus. Their CT (Cycle Threshold) scores were above 25, a threshold set by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) to determine whether throat swab samples need to be sent for genome sequencing to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.

The children had initially tested positive for HMPV in a multiplex PCR test, raising concerns about the infection. However, as per protocol, AIIMS conducted a singleplex PCR test to confirm the results. The higher CT score indicated a lack of significant viral presence, ruling out infection.

ICMR has instructed that throat swab samples with CT scores above 25 should not be sent for genome sequencing, as these cases are not considered active infections. Following the confirmation of their stable condition, both children were discharged from the hospital and sent home.

This incident highlights the importance of stringent protocols in identifying and managing potential HMPV cases, ensuring accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary alarm.