HMPV scared the whole country, 10 big updates related to the virus which are important to know

New Delhi: Alarm bells have rung after three cases of HMPV viral infection were reported in the country. According to reports, this virus is spreading rapidly in China. However, the Health Ministry has said not to panic. Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on Monday that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation. We are telling you 10 big updates regarding the situation of this virus.

1. Three cases reported across the country

So far, five cases of HMPV virus have been reported in India also. ‘Human metapneumovirus’ (HMPV) infection was confirmed in five infants in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat on Monday, the first recorded cases of infection with the virus in India.

2.Virus spreading rapidly in China

This virus is believed to have spread from China. Due to this, governments around the world have become alert. Hospitals in China have been overwhelmed by rising cases of respiratory diseases. This situation is reminiscent of the Covid pandemic.

3. What is this virus?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HMPV is a virus of the Pneumoviridae family. It belongs to the same family as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It usually affects the upper and lower respiratory tract. Its symptoms are like common cold or flu.

4. What did the Health Minister say?

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has reassured people about the HMPV virus. he/she said the ministry is monitoring the situation and there is no cause for concern. Nadda clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was identified in 2001 and has since spread around the world.

5. Gujarat Health Department issued advisory

According to media reports, Gujarat Health Department has issued a health advisory on Monday. In view of the seriousness of the virus, the department has advised people to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief if they cough or sneeze. If you are sick, avoid going to public places. If you have respiratory problems, consult doctors immediately.

6. Advisory of Karnataka Health Ministry

Karnataka’s Health Ministry issued a statement on Saturday. It states that HMPV mainly affects children. It causes cold-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. The ministry has advised people to cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap and avoid going to public places if sick. Apart from this, it has also been advised not to reuse tissues or handkerchiefs, avoid going near sick people and not share towels or bedsheets.

7. Delhi government issued guidelines regarding HMPV virus

Delhi government has also issued an alert regarding HMPV virus and given guidelines to the concerned department. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj has instructed the Health and FE Department to make complete arrangements in Delhi. Saurabh Bhardwaj has said that as per the advice of the Union Health Ministry, all hospitals should be fully prepared to deal with any possible increase in the respiratory disease. The Department of Health and Family Welfare should remain in touch with the Union Health Ministry to get timely updates about the preparedness in the capital.

8. What did the Union Health Ministry say?

The Union Health Ministry said that HMPV is already present in many countries of the world including India and cases of respiratory diseases related to it have been reported in various countries. Additionally, based on current data from ICMR and Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network, it can be said that there is no unusual increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in the country, the ministry said. Has not happened.

9. Maharashtra government will soon issue guidelines

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that citizens should not panic after HMPV cases were reported in other states. he/she said his/her government would soon issue a comprehensive advisory on the situation. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BSC) said that no case of HMPV has been reported in the metropolis.

10. Meeting of Health Department in Tamil Nadu

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been confirmed in two children in Chennai and they are being treated, a health official in Tamil Nadu said. he/she said that detailed information is awaited. State health department officials held a meeting to discuss the steps to be taken to check HMPV and precautions to be taken to prevent its spread.