New Delhi: India now has 11 Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, with 10 children and one 60, year, old female testing positive for respiratory virus. Medical experts say HMPV rarely causes long-term complications, unlike COVID-19.
Current Situation
On Thursday, an 80 year old man in Ahmedabad also tested positive, taking the confirmed cases to eight across states. The disease has been reported in Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra leading states to set up isolation wards and increase surveillance.
Expert Analysis
While COVID-19 caused extensive damage to the lungs and heart of many patients, the damage done by HMPV is usually entirely reversible, says Dr. Ajit Jain from GTB Hospital’s Medicine Department. Respiratory complications occur in fewer than 2 per cent of HMPV cases, usually in patients with severe asthma, or underlying pneumonia.
Clinical Presentation
HMPV predominantly affects children, with symptoms including:Cough- Fever- Nasal congestion- Breathing difficulties. In very severe cases, especially in immunocompromised children, the virus can cause pneumonia . Lower respiratory infection requiring medical attention occurs in about 5% to 16% of children.
Prevention Measures
Health authorities recommend:Regular hand washing, not coming in contact with affected people, go for doctors if you have respiratory symptoms, special care to kids.
Government Response
Advisories have been issued by states across India that have set up monitoring systems. HMPV has been around globally since it was first discovered in 2001, said the Union Health Ministry, which adds that it is a known virus that has been circulating since 2001. But Health Minister J.P. Nadda said there was no reason to panic and India’s health systems are prepared for a surge in cases.