New Delhi. Human metapneumovirus infection has been found in two girls aged three months and eight months in Karnataka. This virus is spreading rapidly in China, due to which concern has increased among the people after these two cases came to light in India. The surprising thing is that both the girls have no international travel history. In such a situation, the question is arising that how these two girls got infected with this virus. However, it is not yet clear whether these two cases are related to the strain of HMPV spreading in China or not. Health experts say that HMPV virus is already present in India.
HMPV virus is already spread in the country, doctors said
According to the report of news portal Onmanorama, Dr Amar Fettal said that the HMPV virus has been spreading in the country like the common cold. It mainly causes respiratory infections. The doctor said, “It is not necessary for this virus to have come from another country. Like the common cold virus, it keeps evolving continuously. “Now it is being detected because testing kits have become widely available.”
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses… pic.twitter.com/PtKYmgztKb
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025
Dr Amar, who has been Karnataka’s nodal officer during the Corona pandemic and H1N1, said that HMPV does not require corona-like precautions. But it is very important to teach basic cough hygiene to children at this time.
Third case of HMPV virus found in India
After Karnataka, third case found in Gujarat
First case of HMPV virus in Ahmedabad
2 month old baby infected with HMPV virusWatch : https://t.co/a73ow232qu#Karnataka #Ahmedabad #HMPV #VirusHMPV #Bharat24Digital@viveksemiliye @WHO pic.twitter.com/aFmvHzLl1I
— Bharat 24 – Vision Of New India (@Bharat24Liv) January 6, 2025
What to do to avoid HMPV?
What suggestions did the doctors give?
Cover mouth and nose with a towel or tissue paper when coughing or sneezing. Keep hands clean regularly. If the child is feeling sick, let him rest at home. Give children enough water to drink and nutritious food.
Appeal to avoid rumors
The doctor also advised not to create an atmosphere of fear by spreading false news. Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Karnataka, said that HMPV infection is usually found in children up to the age of 11 years. He said, “Only 1 percent of cases tested for respiratory diseases have been found to be HMPV positive. It is like other respiratory viruses, which cause cough, cold and flu like symptoms in winter. So there is no need to panic.”
Health department advice
Regarding HMPV virus, the Health Department has appealed to the people to be alert and take special care of the hygiene of children. If any symptoms appear in children, consult a doctor and avoid sending them to school.
