In Nagpur, two more patients have been found infected with the HMPV virus, raising the total tally to eight positive cases detected so far in the country. A 13-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy have tested positive for the virus, which started spreading from China, similar to COVID-19.
Notably, Bengaluru has reported its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in an eight-month-old baby, detected at the city’s Baptist Hospital. The state health department stated that it didn’t test the sample in its own labs but said it has no reason to doubt their private hospital’s findings.
On Monday, the Health Ministry has issued a statement and has also clarified that the patients do not have a history of international travel. The statement reads, “It is emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country. It is important to note that neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel.”
The statement further read, “Union Health Ministry is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures. The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed.”
HMPV Virus: Dos and Don’ts
Dos:
Cover your mouth and nose with handkerchief or tissue paper, when you cough or sneeze.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer Avoid crowded places
Stay away from public places if you have fever, cough and sneezing. Adequate ventilation with outdoor air is recommended in all settings to reduce the transmission
Stay at home and limit contact with others if you are sick
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food
Don’ts:
Do not reuse of tissue paper & hand kerchief
Completely avoid close contact with sick people, sharing of towels, linen etc. and frequent touching of eyes, nose & mouth
Spitting in public places is a complete no-no
Do not go for self-medication without consulting the physician.
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