Patients who have cold-like symptoms should:
Amid a growing concern about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, two more cases have been reported from Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Two children, aged seven and 13, tested positive for HMPV at a private hospital in Nagpur. Both these children had coughs and fevers.
With this, the total number of respiratory illness cases in the nation have surged to seven. Of the total, two cases of HMPV have been reported in Bengaluru, Nagpur, and Tamil Nadu, while one case has been identified in Ahmedabad.
The first reported case of HMPV in India was an eight-month-old baby who is undergoing treatment in a hospital. A three-month-old baby was also infected with the virus, but that baby has now been discharged. Additionally, a two-month-old baby in Ahmedabad was also detected with the virus .
Owing to this, the Maharashtra health department had issued precautionary advisory on Monday, January 6, even as the Union health ministry assured that it was closely monitoring the situation. Here's all you need to know:
What is the Human Metapneumovirus?
HMPV is a common respiratory virus that causes lower and upper respiratory infections. It is not a new discovery and cases have been reported from various countries over the years. There is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV and prevention the cornerstone of controlling its spread.
It mainly affects young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, especially during winter.
How to prevent the spread of infection?
Patients who have cold-like symptoms should: