3 cases of HMPV Detected in Karnataka. Should You Be Worried?

However, young children, older adults, and individuals with low immune systems are particularly at risk from both viruses.

The much dreaded Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) that has caused a scare in China and is triggering ugly Covid memories has reached India. Three infants aged just 2 months 3 months and 8 months old have been detected with the virus in Karnataka and Gujarat and are the first cases in India.

Of the 3 cases, 2 confirmed cases of HMPV were reported from  Bengaluru in Karnataka while one was from Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

The positive cases of the HMPV were identified during routine surveillance of respiratory pathogens.

Details of the Cases:
First case: A 3-month-old baby girl with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has recovered and been discharged.

Second case: An 8-month-old baby boy also with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is currently being treated at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru.

Third case: A 2-month-old baby tested positive for the virus in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and underway treatment.

But should you be worried? How does this virus compare to COVID-19? What are its symptoms, and what have experts said so far? Is there a vaccine available for HMPV? Here’s everything you need to know.

The Union Health Ministry has confirmed that neither of the affected infants had any history of international travel, suggesting that the virus is circulating domestically. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation through all surveillance channels.

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

HMPV is a common respiratory virus that can lead to both upper and lower respiratory infections, similar to the common cold. It is a seasonal illness, typically occurring in the winter and early spring, much like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu.

HMPV is not new to India. It is a globally circulating respiratory virus that primarily affects children under 11 and can cause common cold and flu-like symptoms.

Karnataka’s Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare), Harsh Gupta, stated that around 1% of all respiratory illness samples tested in children show HMPV. He emphasized that this is not the first detection, as earlier cases might have gone undetected due to lack of surveillance.
Is HMPV similar to the COVID-19 virus?
Yes, in some ways. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and HMPV both lead to respiratory illnesses that affect people of all ages.

However, young children, older adults, and individuals with low immune systems are particularly at risk from both viruses.

Symptoms of HMPV, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, are also similar to those seen in people infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Both viruses spread in similar ways through respiratory secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, and by touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Is there a vaccine to prevent HMPV spread?

No, there is currently no vaccine available to prevent Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), and antiviral treatment is not recommended.

The best way to reduce the risk of infection is by taking preventive measures.

Preventive Measures:

To help prevent the spread of HMPV and other respiratory viruses, patients can follow these steps:

1.Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
3.Stay away from close contact with individuals who are sick.
4.Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, especially if you have cold-like symptoms.
5.Refrain from sharing cups or eating utensils with others.
No Cause for Panic:
Harsh Gupta, Karnataka’s Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare), said HMPV is usually detected in children under the age of 11 and about 1% of all samples tested for respiratory illnesses are HMPV.

He said, “This may not be the first case as monitoring was not being done earlier. However, there is no need to panic as HMPV is like any other respiratory virus, which causes a common cold and flu-like symptoms during winter, especially among the younger and older age groups,” reported The Hindu.

Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the strain of virus detected in the babies is not yet known as there is no data available so far on the strain detected in China. “It is an existing virus and there is no need to panic. I am reviewing the situation and have called a meeting in the afternoon. We have to discuss if this is really a public health concern that can led to a pandemic-like situation,” he added.

What’s Happening In China?
China is currently facing an outbreak of HMPV, with videos circulating on social media showing overcrowded hospitals and overwhelmed healthcare systems. This has raised concerns among health experts in other Asian countries as well.

The outbreak of HMPV comes 5 years after the initial reports of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, which eventually led to a global pandemic, claiming seven million lives worldwide.

In response, health authorities in China are implementing new measures to monitor and manage pneumonia cases of unknown origin. However, Beijing has downplayed the situation, attributing it to a typical seasonal occurrence during winter.

Also Read: On Patanjali’s 30th Anniversary, Swami Ramdev calls for Panch Kranti after revolution in Yoga

COMMENTS