Separate wards for HMPV virus have been established in hospitals in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
2 cases of Corona virus like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were detected on Thursday. The first case is from Uttar Pradesh. A 60-year-old woman tested positive in Lucknow. Dr Sushil Chaudhary, Director of Balrampur Hospital, confirmed this to Indianewsget.
According to numerous media reports, an 8-year-old child tested positive in Himmatnagar, Gujarat. There have been a total of 11 cases linked to the virus in the country. 3 cases were reported from Maharashtra, 2 each from Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, one each from West Bengal and UP.
After the HMPV case was revealed, states also increased their vigilance. In Punjab, elderly people and children have been advised to wear masks. Here in Gujarat, isolation wards are being created in hospitals. In Haryana too, the health department has been ordered to monitor HMPV cases.
Young children are most affected. When infected with HMPV, patients experience symptoms such as colds and Covid-19. Its greatest impact is seen on young children. Among these, children under 2 years old are the most affected. The Center has advised states to increase surveillance of respiratory diseases such as ‘influenza-like illness’ and ‘severe acute respiratory problems’ and create awareness about HMPV.
Health Minister Nadda says: HMPV is not a new virus
Experts have said HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001. After that, it spread around the world. It is spread by breathing, through the air. It affects people of all ages. WHO is monitoring the situation and will share the report with us soon.
The central government said HMPV infection was common in winter and an emergency situation would be created amid rising HMPV cases in China. However, the Indian government held a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group on January 4. After this, the government declared that flu-like illnesses were not unusual in winter. We are also keeping an eye on China’s affairs and the government is ready to resolve them.
The country is fully prepared to deal with any increase in cases of respiratory diseases. RSV and HMPV are causing the increase in influenza cases in China. These are common flu viruses this season. The government is closely monitoring the situation. Additionally, WHO was requested to provide periodic updates on the situation in China.
Government said – There is a system to detect influenza-like illnesses Government said India has a robust influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) surveillance system for influenza via ICMR and IDSP. Data from both agencies shows there has been no unusual increase in ILI and SARI cases.
However, it was also said that as a precautionary measure, the ICMR would increase the number of laboratories testing for HMPV. Will also keep an eye on HMPV cases throughout the year.
Situation and preparations in states regarding the virus…
1. Uttar Pradesh
Situation: 60-year-old HIV-positive woman undergoing treatment in Lucknow Preparation: CM Yogi had also held a meeting two days ago regarding the HMPV virus. Whether it is HMPV or seasonal diseases, the Health Ministry must remain vigilant to prevent them, he added. …
2. Chhattisgarh
Situation: No cases in the state at this time. Preparation: Wearing a mask has become compulsory. HMPV virus can be tested at Raipur AIIMS. In this context, RTPCR tests, antigenic tests and serological tests are carried out. …
Know the HMPV virus from experts…
The former AIIMS director said, “HMPV cannot be treated with antibiotics. Former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria said HMPV is not a new virus. The virus usually goes away on its own. It cannot be treated with antibiotics. He advised people to drink as much water as possible and eat nutritious foods. He was also asked to avoid going to crowded places.
The founder of Covid Rx Exchange said: “HMPV is like a common infection. Dr Shashank Heda, founder and chief executive officer of CovidRxExchange in Dallas, Texas, US state, told Indianewsget that the media is exaggerating the worrying situation regarding this virus. While statistics show that the reason for the sudden increase in the number of people hospitalized is not only HMPV, but also many other viral infections.
Viruses like HMPV usually spread temporarily during this season. After a while, their case naturally decreases. Therefore, the increase in the number of people admitted to hospital should not be interpreted as a sign of failure of health services.
Understand ways to avoid HMPV virus in questions and answers…
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: 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: 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.
…………………….
1. Indianewsget Explainer – 9 Cases of HMPV Virus in India: How Dangerous is a Virus Like Corona, Answer All Questions Related to China Virus.
Five years after the Corona epidemic, a new disease has appeared again in China. The name of its virus is HMPV. A total of 9 cases of corona-like HMPV virus have been reported so far in India. Let us know in Indianewsget Explainer if HMPV is as deadly as Corona. How will it be treated? Will there be a lockdown again? Everything you need to know. …
2. Healthcare – Will HMPV virus spread in China and become an epidemic: Third case detected in India, know the answer to all important doctor questions.
Five years after the Corona epidemic, a respiratory disease has resurfaced 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. 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. …
3. Will another epidemic like Corona spread around the world? How dangerous is the HMPV virus, there is no vaccine against it
Hearing the name Corona, many frightening scenes come before the eyes. This epidemic has caused an outcry all over the world and has claimed the lives of more than 70,000,000 people so far. Five years after the Corona epidemic, another disease hits China. The name of this new virus is – HMPV i.e. Human Metapneumovirus. …