Human Metapneumovirus Cases in India: After China, now 2 cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in India too. A large number of children are getting infected with this virus in China. Now cases have come in India too. Let’s know from experts how dangerous it is for India.
Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus have been reported in India as well. This virus has been present in China for the past few days and its cases are increasing rapidly there. A large number of children are being admitted to hospitals in China. Within 5 days of the news coming from China, two cases of this virus have been found in Karnataka. ICMR has confirmed both the cases. After the cases of HMPV virus came to India, the government is on alert here too. Most of the symptoms of this virus are similar to corona. It also spreads like Covid. In such a situation, concern has increased. There is a fear whether any epidemic like Covid will come again.
HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) is a type of virus that enters the respiratory tract and reaches the lungs. Covid was also like this. The symptoms of both viruses are also the same. However, the HMPV virus mainly infects infants and young children. The most common symptom after getting infected with this virus is cough, which is often accompanied by mucus. Mild fever also comes with it. After getting infected with this virus, serious symptoms can occur in some cases. There may be difficulty in breathing, which is often accompanied by chest pain.
The biggest danger with the HMPV virus is that it can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is a disease that can cause death in children. This virus spreads rapidly from one child to another and those with a weak immune system can become more ill after coming in contact with the HMPV virus.
There is no vaccine and medicine
There is no prescribed medicine to treat this virus or any vaccine to prevent it. Treatment is done only on the basis of symptoms. It is important to consume fluids during HMPV virus, so that the body can be kept hydrated. Paracetamol or ibuprofen is given to children in case of fever. In some cases, if bacterial infection occurs due to HMPV virus, then antibiotics can be used. But there is no prescribed medicine to treat this virus.
Epidemiologist Dr Ajay Kumar says that the case of HMPV virus coming to India is not a good sign. Since the population here is dense, the transmission of the virus can happen rapidly. In such a situation, there is a need to work on alert mode. At present, it is important to trace the children who have come in contact with infected children and isolate them.
Will a new pandemic come again?
Make people aware to avoid this virus and avoid it in the same way as the rules were followed to avoid the Covid virus. For this, wash hands before eating and do not come in contact with any infected person. If symptoms of this virus are visible, then go to the hospital immediately. Do not be careless in this matter. As far as any new epidemic is concerned, there is no such danger at the moment. Because HMPV is not a new virus and most of its cases have mild symptoms.
