Amid growing concerns over an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, Indian health experts have reportedly claimed that the virus has been observed in India on several occasions, especially during the winter season.
A pediatrician from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr Suresh Gupta, told Business today that HMPV is not a new virus and has been known for over 20 years now. He also added that the virus is usually seen during the winter season and behaves similar to the flu or a common viral fever.
“Most cases present with symptoms such as cold, cough and fever, which are self-limiting and manageable by general medicine at home. Children rarely require hospitalization, as the infection is usually mild,” said Dr. Gupta. BT.
Furthermore, a senior consultant, Dr. Bobby Bhalotra, mentioned that HMPV has been found several times in India, especially in winter. “HMPV has been observed several times in India, especially during winters,” he was quoted as saying by BT.
He added: “So far the cases we have seen here have been mild. The strain of this virus detected in India is generally considered benign. It mainly presents with symptoms of a mild viral fever. »
What is human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes lower and upper respiratory infections (like the common cold). It is a seasonal illness that usually occurs in winter and early spring, similar to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. HMPV is not a newly discovered virus. It was first discovered in 2001, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
What has the Indian Health Ministry said about HMPV?
On Saturday January 4, the Ministry of Healththat India is closely monitoring the situation through all available channels and has also requested WHO to share timely updates. As a preventive measure, the number of laboratories screening for HMPV cases will be increased and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will monitor HMPV trends throughout the year. A meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services, was held on Saturday to discuss the issue.
In Telangana, the the state government has issued a list of dos and don’ts, including washing hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer, avoiding crowded places and keeping a safe distance, among other precautions. In Kerala, Health Minister Veena George said the state government was closely monitoring reports of the massive outbreak of viral fever and respiratory infection in China and said there was no There was no need to panic at the moment.
(With contribution from agencies)