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Amid growing concerns over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, Indian health experts have reportedly claimed that the virus has been detected in India on several occasions, especially during the winter season.
Pediatrician Dr. Suresh Gupta of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told business today HMPV is not a new virus and has been known for more than 2 decades. He also said that this virus is usually seen in the winter season and behaves similar to influenza or common viral fever.
Dr. Gupta said, “In most cases, symptoms like cold, cough and fever are present, which are self-limited and can be controlled with simple medication at home. Children rarely need to be hospitalized. “Because the infection is usually mild.” BT.
Adding to this, Dr. Bobby Bhalotra, a senior consultant, mentioned that HMPV has been found several times in India, especially during winters. “HMPV has been seen several times in India, especially during winter,” he said. BT.
He further said, “So far, the cases we have seen here have been mild. The strain of this virus found in India is generally considered mild. It mainly presents with mild viral fever symptoms.”
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes lower and upper respiratory infections (such as colds). It is a seasonal illness that usually occurs in winter and early spring, similar to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu. HMPV is not a newly discovered virus. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it was first discovered in 2001.
What did the Indian Health Ministry say on HMPV?
On Saturday, January 4, the Health Ministry said that India is closely monitoring the situation through all available channels and also requested WHO to share timely updates. As a preventive step, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV cases will be increased, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will track HMPV trends throughout the year. A Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services on Saturday to discuss the matter.
In Telangana, the state government has issued a list of do’s and don’ts, which include regularly washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers, avoiding crowded places, among other precautions. This includes maintaining a safe distance. In Kerala, Health Minister Veena George said the state government is closely monitoring news reports about the large-scale outbreak of viral fever and respiratory infection in China and said there is no need to panic right now.
(with inputs from agencies)
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