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HMPV Outbreak: Maharashtra Govt Issues Advisory After 2 Cases Detected in Nagpur - Here's All You Need To Know

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV is most likely spread from an infected person to others through. Follow these steps to prevent the spread:

HMPV Outbreak: Maharashtra Govt Issues Advisory After 2 Cases Detected in Nagpur - Here's All You Need To Know
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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:

  • In the advisory, the state government urged people to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
  • They have also asked people to wash hands frequently with soap, and avoid public places if symptomatic.
  • In the meantime, the Maharashtra health department officials assured that there is no cause for concern regarding HMPV reports from China.
  • The Maharashtra government said the HMPV situation is being closely monitored in coordination with National Centre for Disease Control and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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?

  • Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Patients who have cold-like symptoms should:

  • cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
  • wash their hands frequently and correctly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds)
  • avoid sharing their cups and eating utensils with others
  • refrain from kissing others
  • stay at home when they are sick

  • How can it spread?

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV is most likely spread from an infected person to others through
  • secretions from coughing and sneezing
  • close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes
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