New Delhi:
An eight-year-old boy has been confirmed infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat on Friday, increasing the number of HMPV cases in the state to three. In the country this figure has reached double digits. In such a situation, HMPV has now created fear among the people who have recovered from the fear of Corona virus. Many types of questions have started arising in people’s minds regarding this virus.
Questions arising in people’s minds regarding HMPV:
- Is this virus as dangerous as Corona?
- Do both make someone their victim under the same process?
- What is the difference between the two symptoms?
- How to deal with both?
- Has this virus come from China?
Experts say that Corona virus and HMPV are being linked together. But, we have to understand that both are very different from each other. There is no relation of any kind between the two. Both come from different families. In such a situation, it is not right to find any kind of relationship between the two. Here you have to understand one thing that in medical science, viruses are divided according to their family, on the basis of which all viruses can be categorized.
Similarities and differences between HMPV and Corona
Doctors say that if we talk about the similarities and differences between the two viruses, then when infected with both the viruses, some special symptoms appear, such as cold, cough and pain in the throat, but the thing to note is that the corona virus After getting JD, the patient loses his ability to smell and taste. But, this does not happen in HMPV. Corona virus also causes pneumonia and HMPV can also cause pneumonia. But, the pneumonia caused by both the viruses is slightly different. Both pneumonias affect the patient differently. You can see this as a difference. In Corona virus, the patient faces the problem of clotting inside the lungs, whereas this does not happen in HMPV.
The death rate of corona virus is high. In simple language, the patient is more likely to die after getting infected with Corona, whereas this does not happen in HMPV.
Method of prevention of both viruses
Doctors say that if we talk about prevention of both the viruses, then first of all you have to stay away from those who are infected with Corona or HMPV. Here you have to understand one thing that a patient infected with a virus has the ability to infect any other person within a radius of six feet. Which will have to be taken special care. In such a situation, if you realize that you are getting infected with this virus, then first of all you should isolate yourself. Apart from this, if you cough then wear a mask. By doing this you can protect yourself from infection.
At the same time, if someone’s immunity is weak, or someone has lung problems or diabetes, then he should avoid going to crowded places. Even if one has to go for some reason, one must wear a mask, because it is generally seen that the young, the elderly and people with weak immunity have a higher risk of infection, because this virus spreads through coughing. And it spreads through sneezing, considering which you will have to take special precautions.
Did HMPV virus come from China?
In many places it is being claimed that this virus has come from China, so in such a situation the question in people’s mind is whether this virus has come from China, then on this the doctor says that not at all. This virus has not come from China. This virus was first discovered by a scientist from Holland. In 1958, some scientists had preserved its blood sample, when its antibodies were checked, traces of this virus were found in it. This virus has not come from China, it is already present in the world. At the same time, if we talk about Corona, it also did not come from China. This virus is already present all over the world, but came in a new form in China. You can say that Covid-19 is a new form of corona virus.
Doctors say that if you get infected with this virus, then at any cost do not leave your house for three to five days. After this the effect of the virus will automatically end. Take special precautions and isolate yourself until cough, cold and fever go away.
HMPV is not dangerous: Expert
Cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been seen in many states of India. The government has also geared up for this. However, experts believe that there is no need to panic. This is not a new virus. It is mainly associated with mild respiratory diseases. Recently, a case of a three-month-old child was found in Karnataka who was infected with this virus. The child was also discharged from the hospital. This case shows that the disease caused by this virus usually causes mild symptoms.
However, children younger than one year, people above 60 years of age, and people with weak immune systems or those who are already facing many problems need to take more care. These people come in high risk group.
Oxygen therapy and ventilation are also required in severe cases of HMPV.
Experts say that its symptoms include cough, fever, blocked nose and difficulty in breathing. At the same time, in severe cases, hospitalization along with oxygen therapy and ventilation may also be required. However, this virus is not considered very dangerous for common people. It is not more dangerous than the Covid-19 virus. Partial immunity formed due to previous exposure can reduce its effect. It can be controlled with early detection and awareness.
Current data shows that HMPV is not a dangerous virus. Therefore there is no need to be afraid of this. To avoid this, wearing a mask and maintaining distance from people with symptoms can prevent its spread.
At the same time, different states of the country have issued alerts regarding HMPV virus. The Central Government has also asked all the states to exercise caution and vigilance regarding this virus.
Three cases of HMPV so far in Gujarat
An eight-year-old boy, belonging to a farm labor family in Prantij taluka of Gujarat, was found infected with HMPV in a test conducted by a private laboratory, but health officials had sent his blood samples to a government laboratory for confirmation. The child is currently admitted in a private hospital in Himmatnagar city. Till now this case was being considered as a suspected HMPV case.
Sabarkantha District Magistrate Ratankanwar said the government laboratory confirmed on Friday that the boy was infected with HMPV. At present he is undergoing treatment and his condition is stable. Doctors at the hospital told that the boy is on ventilator.
News of HMPV patient in Lucknow is rumour: CMO
Chief Medical Officer NB Singh termed the news of HMPV patient appearing in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, as a rumour. CMO NB Singh said that no case of this virus has been reported so far in Lucknow. If such cases come to light in future, we will soon take cognizance and inform the public through media.
He said that the number of patients suffering from respiratory and heart related diseases generally increases during the winter season, which is a normal process and there is no need to worry about it. This virus may be common and there has been no confirmation regarding it yet. Therefore, there is no need for the public to be troubled by such misleading news. We are fully monitoring the situation and will provide correct information from time to time.
Chhattisgarh government constituted technical committee regarding HMPV
The Chhattisgarh government has constituted a technical committee to monitor the situation of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in the state. According to the official, this committee was formed after the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare directed the states to create awareness about HMPV.
He said that the committee will be headed by Epidemic Control Director Dr. SK Pambhoi and this committee will give necessary suggestions and issue guidelines regarding prevention, awareness and future action plan against HMPV infection. According to the official, this committee will submit its report to the state health department from time to time.
HMPV is not dangerous, but caution is necessary: ​​Himachal Pradesh Health Minister
Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Colonel Dhaniram Shandil has appealed to the people not to worry about HMPV. However, it is important to be careful. He told that human metapneumovirus is not a dangerous virus. Corona virus was dangerous, but it is not dangerous. Symptoms of this virus are cold, cough, sneezing, fever etc. People do not need to panic, but it is important to be cautious. Keep sanitizer with you.
The Health Minister said that avoid going to crowded areas. If anyone feels symptoms, go to the health center and get tested. Take more care of cleanliness. This is a common virus and has been around for a long time. This virus is there since 2001, it comes and goes. This virus roams in the world. It is important for everyone including children and elderly people to be careful.
Jammu and Kashmir – Health Ministry gears up to deal with HMPV
In view of the increase in cases of HMPV infection across the country, vigilance has been increased in Jammu and Kashmir also. Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua has made complete preparations to deal with HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus). An isolation ward of 50 beds has been prepared and the oxygen production plant is also being examined. In this regard, a mock drill was also conducted in GMC Kathua.
The Health Department appealed to the people that if anyone initially feels symptoms like cough, fever or sees them in any family member, then contact the doctor immediately. However, no case of HMPV has been reported so far in Jammu and Kashmir. The Health Department has instructed the districts to check the preparations.
Sikkim government issued health advisory regarding HMPV
In view of recent reports regarding increase in cases of HMPV, the Government of Sikkim has issued an advisory to closely monitor the situation. Sikkim shares a nearly 200 km long border with China, as it is surrounded by the Tibet Autonomous Region in the north and northeast. A senior official said the Chief Secretary recently held a meeting with the Department of Health and Family Welfare to assess the current threat and review the state’s preparedness.
The official said that in the meeting, various aspects of the virus and its mode of infection as well as the symptoms that occur when infected are discussed. The Health and Family Welfare Department is continuously monitoring the situation. There is no need for people to panic, as available data shows that the virus is not causing any unusual trend or serious outbreak in India. He said that people are advised to follow preventive measures and consult the nearest health professionals if they experience any such symptoms.
Let us tell you that HMPV, which started from China, has now reached India. Apart from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, cases related to this virus have been confirmed in Tamil Nadu. Apart from this, many state governments have also issued advisories in this regard. The Central Government has already told the World Health Organization that we should keep giving updates in this regard from time to time.
HMPV virus: The virus mainly affects the respiratory system of the affected person. Its symptoms are similar to those of Covid-19 in many cases. However, this virus mainly infects infants and young children. The most common symptom in a patient infected with this virus is cough. Along with this, problems like mild fever, wheezing, runny nose or sore throat may also occur. After getting infected with the virus, serious symptoms may occur in some cases. There may also be difficulty in breathing.
HMPV was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001 and has since been detected in almost all parts of the world. This virus mainly causes respiratory diseases, although it can be serious for people with low immunity.
