The respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms (similar to Covid-19) is a typical seasonal disease.
Nagpur, Maharashtra: The total number of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India has risen to 7 after two children aged seven and 14 were tested positive in Nagpur.
On January 3, the children were taken to a private hospital in the Ramdaspeth area for fever and cough. Following tests, the hospital confirmed that they were infected with HMPV.
Also Read | The Truth About ‘HMPV Outbreak In China’ Reports By Some Indian Media Outlets
The Maharashtra health department is on alert mode over a potential rise in the number of cases.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday urged citizens to remain calm and assured them that the situation was actively being monitored by the Centre.
The first HMPV case was reported in Bengaluru on January 6 after two babies—an eight-month-old boy and a three-month-old girl—were diagnosed with the respiratory illness. A third case was reported in Gujarat after a two-month-old boy was diagnosed. Two other cases were confirmed in Chennai. The infected children are reportedly recovering well.
What is HMPV?
HMPV belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and primarily affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Although it can infect anyone, it poses a greater risk to children under five, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, or touching contaminated surfaces and subsequently touching the face.
Also Read | “No Need To Worry, Closely Monitoring”: Health Minister Nadda on HMPV
Is HMPV Like Covid-19?
After China reported a new HMPV virus, panic has gripped people across the country, especially fearing a Covid-19-like outbreak that had spread across the world, causing complete lockdown and disruption of daily life, apart from losing lakhs of lives. However, there is no reason to worry.
The respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms (similar to Covid-19) is a typical seasonal disease. HMPV is mostly mild in nature and goes away within five days. Reports of a “new virus outbreak” in China were widely circulated by some Indian media outlets but health experts have dismissed them as misleading.
The Hindu’s former China correspondent highlighted that no international health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have raised alarms about the situation in China. He also emphasised that images of crowded hospitals, cited as evidence of an outbreak, are not unusual during the flu season in China.
So no, there is no reason for the general public to worry about a potential “lockdown.”
Also Read | HMPV: Everything You Need To Know About The Respiratory Virus On Rise
How To Protect Yourself?
To prevent the spread of HMPV, practise good hand hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and water. Respiratory etiquette, such as covering the mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing and wearing a mask, can also limit the spread. There is no approved antiviral treatment or vaccine available for HMPV. Treatment involves mitigating the symptoms and preventing severe complications.
