HMPV Virus in India: After the Corona epidemic that wreaked havoc all over the world, now a virus named Human Metapneumo Virus (HMPV) has knocked in China and scared everyone. Now three cases of this virus have been reported in India also. Now, amidst the increasing threat of HMPV, the apex medical body – Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) today made a big claim and said, ‘HMPV virus has already spread across the world including India.’ However, it also said that India is prepared to control any possible surge in respiratory diseases.
Infected patients have not traveled internationally
The ministry said the three-month-old girl was suffering from ‘bronchopneumonia’ on January 3 and was admitted to a hospital in Bengaluru, where tests revealed that she was infected with HMPV. Additionally, another eight-month-old baby was also admitted to the hospital suffering from bronchopneumonia, who was found infected with HMPV.
The ministry said that both these patients have not traveled internationally. This virus has spread to many countries including India and cases of respiratory diseases have been reported from many countries.
ICMR to monitor HMPV infection variants
The ministry said that based on data from ICMR and Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in the country. It is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance tools and ICMR will monitor the variants of HMPV infection throughout the year.
The first case of this virus was first reported in 2001. But now the situation regarding this virus is serious. It is also being said that no specific vaccine or anti-virus has been discovered yet for this virus. In severe cases, treatments such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and corticosteroids are given.
