Five cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported since Monday. All infected patients and infants or young children several months old. Five years ago, the coronavirus broke out in China, and reports of the virus outbreak in China caused panic.
However, health experts urge people not to panic.
Former AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria, who played a key role in coronavirus management during the pandemic, said the virus is not new and only causes infections in young children and the elderly Minor infection. He added that the infection is self-limiting and cannot be treated with antibiotics but with proper hydration and nutrition. “COVID-19 appropriate behaviors such as wearing a mask, regular hand washing, cough etiquette such as covering your mouth and nose when coughing. If you don’t have a tissue or handkerchief, cover your cough/sneeze with your arm or elbow to avoid spreading the virus.” A renowned pulmonologist told IANS.
He also suggested that schools issue advice to parents not to send these children to school, as this will also spread to the elderly.
On Monday, after HMPV cases were reported, Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured that the Ministry of Health, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Center for Disease Control are closely monitoring China and the situation there. “It was first discovered in 2001 and has been spreading around the world for many years, spreading through the air through breathing. This can affect people of all ages. The virus spreads more in winter and early spring,” Union Minister explain.
State health officials are preparing for the situation and urging people not to panic.
In Gujarat, a baby was diagnosed with the viral infection and isolation wards were set up in civil hospitals in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad and Rajkot as a precautionary measure. “We have set up a 15-bed isolation ward at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to cater for any future emergencies. As there is no specific vaccine or drug for this infection, treatment will be based on the patient’s symptoms. We Our staff are fully prepared and we have procured testing kits to respond to any situation.
The Karnataka government has asked people to remain vigilant after the country’s first cases were detected in two babies from Bengaluru. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) detected in the state are not dangerous but there are benefits in taking precautionary measures. He told people there was nothing to worry about but called on them to be cautious.
“We discussed HMPV (at the health department meeting). It is not a virus of great concern. It is not a virus circulating in China. The virus that has been detected is an existing virus. It infects children, the elderly people and people with diabetes.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said the virus has not caused any major impact in India, especially in the state, and advised people to adopt safety measures such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance and hand hygiene . The third case in the country was detected in Tamil Nadu.
After two cases of HMPV were detected in Maharashtra, the state government formed a task force headed by Dr Pallavi Saple, director of JJ Hospital, to formulate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and decide on the future course of action.
States such as Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Chandigarh and others have assured of timely action.
Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahalin on Tuesday appealed to people not to panic over the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus. He assured that the state government is fully prepared to deal with the situation in the ongoing Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. “I discussed in detail the preparations of the Ministry of Health for the 18th #PravasiBharatiyaDivas starting tomorrow through video conferencing with departmental officials today. The state government is providing healthcare services to NRIs in Odisha as per need while they Stay in the state, the Ministry of Health is fully prepared to avoid any health-related situations,” he said in a post on X.
Doctors have been posting relevant messages on X to raise awareness of HMPV.
