HMPV outbreak: According to a report released on Monday, the Karnataka Health Department verified the case and said the child's medical tests came back positive.
Two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases were reported in Bengaluru on Monday. HMPV is thought to be the cause of the recent increase in respiratory ailments in China.An eight-month-old Bengaluru kid tested positive for HMPV, according to News 18. Menahwile, India Today stated that the hospital in Bengaluru had identified two instances.
The patients did not have any prior international travel history, and the cases were recorded at Baptist Hospital in north Bengaluru. The eight-month-old youngster has no history of travel and is reportedly undergoing treated at a luxury hospital in Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Health Department verified the matter, stating that the child's medical testing came back positive, the article continued.
Mint was unable to independently verify the report.
"The reports are from a private hospital, and there is no reason to question the private hospital's testing. Since we don't have information on the virus strain found in China, we are unsure of what strain this is at this time," sources told India Today.
About HMPV outbreak
Like COVID-19, the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) can infect youngsters, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, causing respiratory illnesses in persons of all ages.
Flu-like symptoms including coughing, runny or clogged noses, sore throats, and trouble breathing are among the symptoms that usually show up three to ten days after infection. In certain instances, bronchitis and pneumonia may also appear.
According to K Padmavathi, the director of public health and family welfare for Andhra Pradesh, the disease is more common among children, the elderly, and people with long-term medical conditions.
The world is alarmed by recent claims of an HMPV outbreak in China. Given the current flu season, India's Ministry of Health stated that the circumstances in China are not out of the ordinary.
"The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is Influenza virus, RSV and HMPV - the usual pathogens that are expected during the season," it stated.
According to the Indian government, WHO has also been asked to provide frequent reports on the situation in China, and it "is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels."
Warnings and safety measures
In the meantime, advisories were issued by a number of states, including Delhi, to prevent the virus from spreading.
To guarantee readiness for possible health issues associated with HMPV and other respiratory viruses, Delhi health authorities released an advice on Sunday.
For suspected instances, it is now required to follow stringent isolation measures and employ universal precautions. To guarantee accurate surveillance, hospitals must keep accurate records of SARI cases and lab-confirmed influenza cases. They have been instructed to guarantee the provision of oxygen for severe instances and paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrups for moderate cases.
Pregnant women and the elderly should wear masks, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said, adding that there is now no reason to fear.
"When unwell, children shouldn't be sent to school. Masks are unquestionably recommended for those with respiratory issues. Right now, there's nothing to worry about. We're keeping an eye on things in China," she stated.
In response to mounting concerns about the HMPV outbreak in China, the state government of Telangana released a list of dos and don'ts on Saturday. Telangana has no documented cases of HMPV, the state administration noted.
In the meanwhile, a health official from Andhra Pradesh recommended, among other safety measures, covering the mouth and nose with a handkerchief when coughing or sneezing and washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. The afflicted youngsters and elderly would receive care at government facilities, she stated, adding that there is presently no specific antiviral medication or vaccine for HMPV.
Additionally, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will track HMPV trends, and the Ministry of Health announced that more labs will screen for HMPV cases.
0 Comments