Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): AIIMS Bhopal has announced the availability of testing facilities for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) following the detection of three cases in India.
To ensure safety and awareness, AIIMS Bhopal has issued guidelines and emphasised the importance of early detection and prevention.
The AIIMS officials informed that the facility is equipped to detect HMPV using RT-PCR testing, which is considered the most accurate method. The hospital has set up isolation and general beds for patients, along with ventilator-equipped ICU beds for critical cases. An official there reassured that the hospital is fully prepared with an experienced team and advanced facilities to handle any emergency.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that primarily affects the lungs and breathing system. It poses a significant risk to children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Madhya Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Rajendra Shukla, has instructed the health department to increase virus monitoring across the state.
How HMPV Spreads?
According to the doctors in AIIMS, HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through direct contact with infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Symptoms to Watch For
The common symptoms of HMPV include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, breathing difficulty, wheezing, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
While most healthy people recover without complications, the virus can be dangerous for vulnerable groups, including those with asthma or heart conditions.
The public is urged to follow hygiene measures, report symptoms early, and avoid crowded places to help contain the virus’s spread.
