crown After 5 years of epidemic, a respiratory disease has appeared again in China. The name of this new virus is human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The news is going viral on social media that HMPV is wreaking so much havoc in China that there is a shortage of beds for patients.
Chinese health authorities have implemented certain protocols to combat this virus. However, no official emergency announcement has yet been made in this regard.
After this news, the whole world is afraid of HMPV because similar cases were reported initially during Covid and gradually this disease took the form of an epidemic.
Two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in India. Both cases were discovered in Karnataka. Among those infected are an 8-month-old boy and a 3-month-old girl. This virus mainly affects children under 2 years old and people over 65 years old.
That’s why today in “Sehatnama” we will talk about HMPV. You will also learn that-
What are the symptoms of this disease? Can this virus spread around the world like Corona? Is there a cure or vaccine for this disease?
Expert: Dr Ankit Bansal, Consultant, Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi
Question: What is the HMPV virus?
Answer: HMPV is an RNA virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms. This may cause coughing or wheezing in the throat. There may be a runny nose or sore throat. Its risk is higher in cold weather.
Question: How is the HMPV virus spread?
Answer: The HMPV virus is spread by coughing and sneezing. This virus is spread by contact with an infected person. It can also be spread by shaking hands with an infected person or touching anything infected with the virus. Its symptoms begin to appear 3 to 5 days after being infected.
Question: What are the symptoms of HMPV disease?
Answer: Its most common symptoms are cough and fever. At first, its symptoms resemble those of a normal virus, but if the effect of the virus is severe, there may be a risk of pneumonia and bronchitis. What are its symptoms, see in the graph:
Question: Can a new epidemic spread around the world again?
Answer: It is too early to comment on the HMPV. It is true that there is a lot of talk on the Internet and on social networks about the arrival of a new epidemic in China. Some even claim that China is hiding the real situation.
Suppose the HMPV virus spreads in China. This also creates difficulties for children and the elderly. Despite this, the situation has not become so serious that the Chinese government or the World Health Organization should issue an alert in this regard. Therefore, instead of panicking, we should wait for an official statement.
Question: Is HMPV like the corona virus?
Answer: HMPV virus (Paramyxoviridae family) and Corona virus (Coronaviridae family), both belong to different families. Despite this, many things are similar.
Respiratory diseases: Both viruses mainly affect the respiratory system.
Transmission: Both viruses are spread by inhalation and contact with a contaminated surface.
Symptoms: The symptoms of both viruses are similar. These include fever, cough, sore throat, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Vulnerable group: Children, the elderly and people with weak immunity are most exposed to both viruses.
Prevention: Keeping hands clean, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing are important measures to prevent both viruses.
Question: Can this virus spread all over the world like Corona?
Answer: This is not a new virus. Last year, news also surfaced of its spread in China. In 2023, this virus has also been detected in countries like the Netherlands, Great Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada and America. According to the National Library of Medicine, it was first detected in the Netherlands in 2001. However, it is considered a virus that is at least 50 years old.
No such variant has yet been observed, this virus which spreads explosively like Corona.
Question: Is there a treatment or vaccine for this disease?
Answer: No antiviral drugs have yet been manufactured against the HMPV virus. However, it has a completely normal effect on most people. Therefore, its symptoms can only be managed by staying at home. People who develop severe symptoms receive oxygen therapy, intravenous infusions, and corticosteroids (a form of steroids).
No vaccine has yet been developed to combat this virus. In fact, due to the HMPV virus, the conditions are not yet ripe for the need to produce a vaccine against this virus.
Question: Should we start preparations for HMPV now?
Answer: There is no need to panic about the HMPV virus. The Indian government is monitoring this. A neighboring country to China, the Indian government is already on alert. Most senior doctors say they do not foresee any serious situation due to HMPV in India.
Question: What do Chinese health authorities say about HMPV?
Answer: China’s Ministry of Health said the situation is not unusual given the flu season. HMPV is a common virus spreading this season. The government is closely monitoring the situation.
Asked about outbound travel in China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said more cases of respiratory tract infections are reported during the winter season. Compared to last year, respiratory diseases are less serious this year and are spreading on a smaller scale. It is safe to travel to China.
Question: Has WHO issued an update regarding HMPV?
Answer: No, the World Health Organization has not yet released an update regarding the spread of the HMPV virus in China. However, China’s neighboring countries have requested WHO to issue correct updates in this regard.
Question: What have Indian health authorities said about HMPV?
Answer: The country’s Director General of Health Services, Dr. Atul Goyal, said that there is no possibility of a serious situation regarding this in India. Here, metapneumovirus is a normal respiratory virus. Due to this, symptoms like cold and flu may be observed.
However, its symptoms can be a little severe in the elderly and in children under one year old. Despite this, it is not a serious illness. Our hospitals are fully prepared to deal with the situation. ,
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