New HMPV cases in India: Is this Covid-19 like virus dangerous? How does it spread?

Human Metapneumovirus cases have been reported in India but authorities has ve claimed that there is no need to panic about the current situation. Read on to comprehend how dangerous can this virus be and its mode of spread.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases have been diagnosed in India and majorly in kids and infants yet. Different health authorities have claimed that there is “no need to panic” and several states have already issued advisories, alerted all hospitals to be ready to tackle any situation in treating this respiratory illness. However, one must follow the protocols to reduce the risk of either contracting or spreading it further.

India reported its first HMPV cases on Monday after five children tested positive in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Union Health Minister J P Nadda had said that the government was closely monitoring the situation and there was no reason to worry.

How Dangerous is HMPV?

HMPV is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms, but can increase risk or lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people. So far, no fatality has been reported neither critical condition of any patient who has been detected positive. This is being regarded as any other seasonal respiratory illness.

Symptoms of HMPV

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue

Bronchitis and pneumonia are both lung issues that cause coughing, fever, breathing problems etc.

How HMPV Spreads?

Human Metapneumovirus has few symptoms similar to Covid-19, common flu and spreads fast too. This respiratory illness affects the lower and upper respiratory areas. Infants, kids, elderly people, immunocompromised population are at a higher risk of catching this virus.

Much like flu or Covid-19, this too spreads via droplets, aerosols or coming in contact with infected person or touching an infected object. This respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages particularly during the winter and early spring months. The virus infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most cases recover on their own.

HMPV Preventive Tips

1. Maintain proper personal hygiene like washing hands, keepi sanitisers in handy
2. Mask up when stepping outside home, especially i crowded areas
3. Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing and ensure to clean your hands after that
4. Infected people should self-isolate to avoid spread. Others should maintain social distancing as much possible
5. Consume healthy , immunity strengthening diet

On Tuesday, two suspected cases of the virus were reported from Maharashtra’s Nagpur. Both the patients were discharged after treatment, a senior official said. Their samples have been sent to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Nagpur and the National Institute of Virology in Pune, the official said. According to Shashikant Shambharkar, Deputy Director of Health,” two suspected HMPV patients have been found in Nagpur. One of these patients is 7 years old and the other is 13 years old,” ANI quoted.

Shambharkar further added, “The reports of both these patients have come back positive in a private hospital. Both these patients have been treated and discharged. The reports of both these suspected patients are being sent to AIIMS Nagpur for examination.”