Five years after the deadly COVID-19 pandemic broke out, another virus has arrived in China. It is called human metapneumovirus or HMPV. Patients infected with this virus experience difficulty in breathing and flu-like symptoms. Now the medical authorities of Delhi have issued an advisory to deal with the challenges related to the virus.
Discussed about respiratory diseases
According to a statement, Director General of Health Services Dr Vandana Bagga on Sunday held a meeting with Chief District Medical Officers and State Program Officer of IDSP to discuss preparedness to tackle respiratory diseases in Delhi. Hospitals have been directed to immediately report cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) through the IHIP portal.
This instruction was given regarding the suspicious case
Use of strict isolation protocols and precautions has been mandated for suspected cases. Hospitals need to maintain proper documentation of SARI cases and lab-confirmed influenza cases to ensure accurate surveillance. They were instructed to maintain availability of paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators and cough syrups to treat mild cases along with oxygen.
These recommendations have been made in view of reports of increase in respiratory diseases in China. The statement issued said, “As per the updated data of Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) till January 2, 2025, there was no significant increase in respiratory diseases.” Is.
Is HMPV the same as COVID-19?
- HMPV causes flu-like symptoms. The virus usually affects the upper respiratory tract but can sometimes cause lower respiratory tract infections.
- HMPV infection is more common in winter and early spring.
- While HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) belong to different viral families, they have striking similarities.
- Both viruses primarily target the human respiratory system, causing mild to severe infections.
- HMPV, like COVID-19, is spread through respiratory droplets (droplets released from the mouth when speaking or coughing) and contact with contaminated surfaces.
- The symptoms of infection with both viruses are similar.
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus whose symptoms are similar to those of the common cold.
This causes cough or sore throat, runny nose or sore throat.
HMPV infection can be serious in young children and the elderly.
The virus can cause serious illness in people with weak immune systems.
What is HMPV virus?
The name of the new virus is Human Meta Pneumovirus (HMPV). HMPV is an RNA virus, meaning it spreads like the flu. The symptoms of HMPV are also similar to the corona epidemic. Its symptoms are cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat and difficulty in breathing. Children under two years of age, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most affected. Infection spreads rapidly in patients with asthma and lung disease.
How to avoid HMPV virus?
• Wash hands frequently with soap
• Use sanitizer
• Avoid contact with patients
• Use mask
• Isolate if symptoms appear
• Consult a doctor if necessary
symptoms of hmpv virus
• Corona like symptoms
• High fever and cough
• Difficulty in breathing
• Lung infection
• nasal congestion
• wheezing in the throat
• Spread by contact
Why dangerous?
• Greater impact on young children
• Children under 2 years of age are more affected.
• People suffering from asthma and respiratory diseases are at greater risk
Is China hiding the virus?
• Describing respiratory disease as a common disease
• Increase in illness due to cold
• Travel to China has been declared safe for foreigners
• Advise only rest and drinking fluids
• People with weak immune systems are becoming victims.
• There is no vaccine to prevent the virus
How active is WHO on HMPV virus?
• Claim to keep an eye on the new virus
• Claim to keep an eye on new virus mutations
• People were advised to wear masks
• Global health emergency has not been declared at present
• Fear of virus spreading in China’s neighboring countries
In which countries has HMPV virus been found so far?
• Netherlands
• Britain
• Finland
• Australia
• Canada
• America
• China
HMPV has been there before
It is being said that HMPV virus has been present for the last 6 decades. This virus was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. The virus was confirmed in samples from children with respiratory disease. HMPV is a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family. This virus remains in the air in every season. It spreads through coughing and sneezing of infected people. There is a danger of it spreading further in winter.
