HMPV virus outbreak: New virus that caused havoc in China has entered India

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HMPV virus outbreak : HMPV virus has also reached India. Two newborns have been found infected with this virus in Bangalore. Among the infected newborns, an eight-month-old baby boy and a three-month-old girl have been found infected.

Both these children have no history of going abroad. The special thing is that both the children have been found infected in the last 24 hours. After the virus infection came to light, the Karnataka government has called an emergency meeting of health and administrative officials.

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ICMR said that this virus has been confirmed in two children in a hospital in Bangalore. The government has said that there is nothing to worry about this virus.

State governments are alert

The Indian government is alert about this infection that has surfaced in China. The Health Ministry has directed the states to remain alert. Delhi health officials on Sunday issued an advisory to ensure preparedness in connection with potential health challenges related to ‘Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)’ and other respiratory infections. According to a statement, Director General (Health Services) Dr. Vandana Bagga held a meeting with the Chief District Medical Officers and the State Program Officer of IDSP on Sunday to discuss preparations to deal with respiratory diseases in Delhi.

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

This disease can spread by coughing, sneezing or touching

Under the recommendations, hospitals have been directed to report cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) immediately through the IHIP portal. It has been made mandatory to implement strict isolation rules and take appropriate precautions in respect of suspected cases. People who come in close contact with persons infected with HMPV are at risk of contracting the virus. The disease can also spread through coughing, sneezing, touching and shaking hands of infected persons.

What is HMPV virus?

The department said that ‘following recent media reports about the spread of HMPV disease in China, the Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a statement on January 4. It said that HMPV is like any other respiratory virus, which causes common cold and flu like symptoms during the winter season, especially in young and old age groups.’

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