New Delhi:
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a corona-like virus spread in China, has also entered India, due to which people are scared. Corona virus infection has refreshed bad memories in people’s minds. So far 6 cases have been reported in India. Out of these, 2 cases have been reported from Karnataka, one of which is a three-month-old girl and the other is an 8-month-old boy. HMPV virus has been found in two cases in Tamil Nadu and in a 2-month-old child in Ahmedabad. How these children came in contact with the HMPV virus is still being ascertained. India has made preparations to deal with HMPV virus. State governments are also making preparations at their level. Delhi government has issued an advisory, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called a meeting today.
How dangerous is HMPV?
Union Health Minister JP Nadda says that there is no need to panic about HMPV virus. This virus has been in India since 2001. HMPV virus is not as dangerous as it is being talked about on social media. HMPV is not a new virus. It has been spreading all over the world for many years. We are monitoring the situation closely. We can say that there should be no cause for concern. ICMR has also told people that HMPV virus is not new. It is already present all over the world including India. Therefore there is no need to panic. People just take precautions.
What are the preparations for Delhi-UP?
Delhi government has issued guidelines on HMPV virus. Officials in Delhi have been asked to keep an eye. Instructions have been given to monitor respiratory matters. Instructions have been given to hospitals to take cases related to cough and cold seriously. If symptoms of HMPV virus are seen in anyone, then he should be examined. However, no case of HMPV virus has been reported in Delhi yet. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called a meeting of health and home department officials on the increasing cases of this virus in China. This meeting is to be held today in Lucknow.
This is how HMPV virus spreads, be cautious
Symptoms of HMPV virus are cough, fever, sore throat, irritation in the throat and in some cases, difficulty in breathing. In some cases, its infection can also turn into symptoms of bronchitis, pneumonia or asthma. HMPV spreads through droplets released from coughing or sneezing, or by shaking hands. Apart from this, they do not touch anyone. It spreads through close contact, touching contaminated surfaces, or touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
Which people are most at risk?
Although this virus can affect people of all ages, children below 5 years of age and people above 65 years of age are at greater risk. Also, people with weak immunity, asthma or other respiratory problems are at greater risk. Emphasis has been laid on some measures to prevent the spread of this virus. Out of which it has been said that washing hands, wearing a mask and getting tested on time is necessary. There are many similarities between HMPV and Covid-19. Like both of these cause respiratory diseases. Both pose a greater risk to the elderly and people with weak immunity. Also, many symptoms of these two diseases are similar.
How is the situation in China?
It is being claimed that the HMPV virus has infected thousands of people in China. The situation there is getting out of control, a crowd of patients is visible outside the hospitals. However, China says that there is no truth in the media reports. This is the effect of changing weather. Due to increase in cold, people usually struggle with the problem of cough and cold. This is also happening because of the weather. The positive rate of hMPV among cases aged 14 and under has recently increased, according to Chinese CDC data at the end of December, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported. Young children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are more affected by the HMPV virus. A post on social media platform The burden on crematoriums has increased. Children are being admitted to hospitals. Pneumonia is increasing in children and cases of ‘white lung’ are also coming to light.
Also read:- 5 cases of HMPV confirmed in India, state governments now on alert; Know 10 big things
