Recently, there’s been an outbreak of a virus called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. In India, three cases have been reported so far. The latest is a two-month-old baby boy from Dungarpur, Rajasthan, who got diagnosed in Gujarat. Earlier this week, two other cases were confirmed in Bengaluru, Karnataka, during health checks by the ICMR.
Even though the situation seems alarming, India’s health ministry has said there’s no reason to panic. They are keeping an eye on the situation and ensuring the public is informed.
Some people are worried about the increase in respiratory illnesses, drawing comparisons to the COVID-19 pandemic that started in China. However, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a paediatrician from Hyderabad, reassured people that HMPV is not a new virus and doesn’t need to be treated as a mystery. She emphasized the importance of staying informed without creating unnecessary fear.
Dr. Santosh mentioned that HMPV is common and usually appears every year. There are currently no reports of any new mutations of the virus in India. Therefore, the best way to deal with this virus is to educate everyone about how to avoid spreading respiratory diseases like HMPV, influenza, or RSV.
So, what are the symptoms of HMPV? According to Dr. Santosh, they are similar to those of the flu and can include:
– Cough
– Fever
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Sore throat
– Wheezing
– Shortness of breath
– Rash
Most people catch HMPV before turning five years old. You can get HMPV again, but after your first infection, the symptoms are usually milder. Young children are at higher risk of getting seriously ill the first time they catch the virus. Adults over 65 or those with breathing issues or weak immune systems are also at risk for severe symptoms.
Remember, while it’s always good to be cautious, there’s no need to panic about HMPV cases in India.
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