Union Health Minister JP Nadda has said regarding HMPV virus that there is no need to panic and we are monitoring it. He told that this is not a new virus and it was first identified in 2001. He said that we are ready and all necessary steps are being taken. This virus found in China has also been identified in India, where patients infected with it have been found in Karnataka, Kolkata and Gujarat.
Health Minister Nadda, quoting experts, clarified that HMPV has been spreading all over the world for many years. HMPV spreads through breath and air. It can affect people of all age groups. This virus spreads more in the initial months of winter and season change. “According to recent reports of HMPV cases in China, the Health Ministry, ICMR and the National Center for Disease Control are closely monitoring the situation in China as well as in neighboring countries.”
‘No need to worry’, said Health Minister Nadda
“A joint monitoring group met under the chairmanship of the Director General of Health Services was held on January 4 to review the situation. The country’s health systems and surveillance networks are alert, ensuring that the country remains alert to any emerging outbreak,” the health minister said in a statement. “We are ready to respond immediately to the challenges. There is no need to worry. We are monitoring the situation closely.”
What is the expert opinion on HMPV virus?
Dr. Kunal Sarkar, a famous cardiologist, has warned regarding this virus that the government needs to take serious steps regarding it. “The government must exercise caution and protect its citizens from this virus, just as they protect the country’s borders,” he said. Dr Sarkar said, “HMP virus is an RNA-stranded virus, which, despite being infectious, is not as serious as Covid-19. Its common symptoms include fever, cough and cold, which can be identified through RT-PCR test. Can.”
Maharashtra government advisory on HMPV
After the virus was identified in some states of the country, the Maharashtra government has also issued an advisory, stating that HMPV is a common respiratory virus that causes infections like common cold. It was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. This virus is seasonal, usually most prevalent in winter and early summer, and its symptoms are similar to those of flu and RSV. On January 03, the Directorate General of Health Services and the National Center for Disease Control issued a statement advising not to worry over reports of HMPV virus in China. Precautions are being followed, and there is no need to create fear.
Four cases of HMPV identified in India
1. Two HMPV patients were found in Bengaluru, both of whom are children. The three-month-old baby has already been discharged, while the eight-month-old baby, who was diagnosed with the virus on Sunday, is undergoing treatment.
2. In November, a case of HMPV was found in a six-month-old child in Kolkata, indicating that the virus has been spreading for some time.
3. In Ahmedabad, HMPV was found in a two-month-old baby, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. His condition is stable. The child’s family is from Dungarpur in Rajasthan, but has reached Ahmedabad for treatment.
What to do and what not to do to avoid HMPV virus?
Do this:
● Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper while coughing or sneezing.
● Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
● If you have fever, cough and sneeze, stay away from public places.
● Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.
● Ensure adequate ventilation in all areas to reduce infection.
Don’t do this:
● Avoid shaking hands.
● Do not reuse tissue paper and napkins.
● Avoid close contact with sick people.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth repeatedly.
● Avoid spitting in public places.
● Avoid taking medicine without doctor’s advice.