Is HMPV virus more dangerous than Covid-19?
The newly rising HMPV virus has confirmed two cases of infected patients in Bengaluru hospital on Monday. The infected patients were 3 months old girl and 8 month old boy. The third positive case reported positive in Ahemadabad, Gujarat. Also 2 more new cases of HMPV virus has been detected positive in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Two cases were detected in Chennai. The total number of infected has reached to 7 across India.
The concern of HMPV has spread globally, making serious issue again after covid-19. The video surfing on internet from China have raised the new health concern across the globe. There is rapid increase in number of patients in China. Hospitals in China is overcrowded by the residents due to fear of HMPV infection.
ビザ緩和した
岩屋毅外務大臣の更迭を求めます#リレーお願いします#岩屋売国大臣の勝手な売国を許さない中国で呼吸器感染症の「HMPVウイルス」が急増、病院が満員になっている現状
これから中国が旧正月入るので入国規制を
pic.twitter.com/RKoOuHdXgw— サキガケ (@nihonpatriot) January 6, 2025
What is HMPV virus?
HMPV- Human metapneumovirus is a virus that usually causes symptoms which are similar to cold and flu. It causes upper respiratory infection as well as lower respiratory infection. The symptoms of HMPV virus are more common in winter and early spring.
However, it is more concerning in childern and elderly people over age of 65 or people with weak immune system. This infection is more severely caused in childern between age group of 6 to 12 months. This virus is similar to RSV-Respiratory synctial virus. There is no vaccine , also no antiviral treatment is recommended for this.
However, people can help prevent the spread of this infection by following the steps:
1. Wash hands regularly.
2. Use of masks in public places.
3. Use sanitizers after touching any place or object.
4. Avoid contact with people who are ill.
5. Cover mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms and Causes:
People infected with HMPV virus may suffer from:
Cough
Fever
Runny nose
Sore throat
Shortness of breath
Who are at high risk for HMPV virus?
Newborns
Children below age 5
People with respiratory disorders
People with weak immune system
People suffering from Cancer, AIDS, etc
Is HMPV similar to Covid 19?
The symptoms of HMPV are similar to corona virus infection, however, as per scientific study this virus is not new, it was firstly detected in year 2001. Studies have showed that HMPV virus has been detected and spread for over 60 years as common respiratory infection. HMPV virus is spread through direct contact with someone, similarly to Corona virus.
Amid rising concerns, Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of health services, has assured people that there is nothing to be afraid of, however he has urged people to take general precautions and help prevent the spread of infection.
Gujarat’s public health minister Dr. Nilam Patel speaking to media on HMPV virus said, “HMPV virus is not a new virus, it was detected for the first time in 2001 but the virus mutates multiple times, and because of mutation it outbreaks multiple times. The Government of Gujarat is also taking action on this. There is no need to panic. One case was diagnosed where the patient was 2 month old child. The child was discharged, so there is nothing to fear.”
Health Minister of Himachal Pradesh Dhani Ram Shandil in Press conference with PTI said,
that HMPV is common virus and there is no need to panic, the Union Government is continuosly monitoring the spread of infection.
Veena George, Health Minister of Kerala said, nothing to be concerned about HMPV as this virus has been detected in past, while speaking to PTI.
The Central Government has advised every state to set up the surveillance for respiratory related conditions. The samples of infected people has been sent to AIIMS-Nagpur and National Institute of Virology, Pune.
Also see: https://newsevents27.com/nipah-virus-positive-case-in-malappuram-of-kerala/