Amid a spike in cases in China, the Indian Council of Medical Research recognized two Human Metapneumovirus infections in Karnataka. Experts stress that HMPV is neither new nor uncommon, and that there is no reason to panic as long as possible mutations are being monitored.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) verified the identification of two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Karnataka on Monday, according to ANI, amid reports of an HMPV outbreak in China.The COVID epidemic, which also started in China, has been compared to the rise in respiratory ailments in that nation. However, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh of Hyderbad informed South First in an interview that HMPV is not a "mysterious virus." HMPV cases occur, and the virus is not uncommon nor novel.
"HMPV is a known virus," says Sivaranjani Santosh
There is no need to fear about HMPV instances in India, Sivaranjani Santosh told South First, urging the public to be informed of the current circumstances. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness and being watchful.
Every year, we witness it. The virus is not a mystery. There is currently no information available regarding any new mutations. Let's remain watchful without inciting needless anxiety or tension. As always, precautions are crucial," Santosh said in an interview with South First.
Signs of the HMPV virus
Dr. Santosh clarified the symptoms of the HMPV virus to South First, saying that the illness typically manifests as "cough, cold, and fever," which are signs of "typical flu." She also mentioned that with symptomatic therapy, the infection goes away in three to five days. Rarely, the patient can need "oxygen support."
At what point may HMPV in India be concerning?
The doctor emphasized that it is crucial to keep a careful eye on the "potential new mutations" of HMPV and that preventive and safeguards are necessary to stop the spread of viral infections.
The primary emphasis should be on "educating the public on preventing the spread of respiratory viruses, whether it is HMPV, influenza, or RSV," according to South First, as there has been no official update on HMPV mutation in India. Since 2022, pediatrician Sivaranjani Santosh has been treating HMPV cases.
India's HMPV
The two cases were found in Karnataka as part of ICMR's continuous efforts to monitor and control respiratory infections nationwide, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.
The respiratory virus known as HMPV has been spreading throughout the world, especially in India. In many nations, it has been linked to respiratory ailments; nevertheless, India has not seen an extraordinary increase in instances.
Despite the identification of these two instances, the ICMR stressed that the number of cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in the nation has not significantly increased.
There is no need to fear about HMPV instances in India, Sivaranjani Santosh told South First, urging the public to be informed of the current circumstances. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness and being watchful.
Every year, we witness it. The virus is not a mystery. There is currently no information available regarding any new mutations. Let's remain watchful without inciting needless anxiety or tension. As always, precautions are crucial," Santosh said in an interview with South First.
Signs of the HMPV virus
Dr. Santosh clarified the symptoms of the HMPV virus to South First, saying that the illness typically manifests as "cough, cold, and fever," which are signs of "typical flu." She also mentioned that with symptomatic therapy, the infection goes away in three to five days. Rarely, the patient can need "oxygen support."
At what point may HMPV in India be concerning?
The doctor emphasized that it is crucial to keep a careful eye on the "potential new mutations" of HMPV and that preventive and safeguards are necessary to stop the spread of viral infections.
The primary emphasis should be on "educating the public on preventing the spread of respiratory viruses, whether it is HMPV, influenza, or RSV," according to South First, as there has been no official update on HMPV mutation in India. Since 2022, pediatrician Sivaranjani Santosh has been treating HMPV cases.
India's HMPV
The two cases were found in Karnataka as part of ICMR's continuous efforts to monitor and control respiratory infections nationwide, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.
The respiratory virus known as HMPV has been spreading throughout the world, especially in India. In many nations, it has been linked to respiratory ailments; nevertheless, India has not seen an extraordinary increase in instances.
Despite the identification of these two instances, the ICMR stressed that the number of cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in the nation has not significantly increased.
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