New Delhi – Indian officials have confirmed the first cases of human metapneumovirus in the country.HMPV), with seven people claiming to have contracted the virus on Tuesday, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Two of the HMPV infections were reported in the central Indian city of Nagpur on Tuesday, while two cases were reported in the cities of Bengaluru, and one each in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Salem on Monday. The cases include a three-month-old girl who tested positive for HMPV on Monday. Another case involved an eight-month-old boy who tested positive for both HMPV and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory infections in people of all ages. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of serious illness from the virus. According to the CDC, symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
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HMPV infections are reportedly on the rise in Chinais attracting worldwide attention, but Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno, director of disease prevention and control at Children's Medical Center Plano in Texas, told CBS News this week that there is no concern about an infection new release.
“This has been circulating for a while, so people have some immunity,” she said, adding that the virus was relatively stable, unlike the virus. COVID 19 a virus that often moves, making it harder to fight.
The federal government of India asked states on Monday to study respiratory diseases and spread awareness about how to prevent the spread of HMPV. Preventive measures include covering the mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing, washing hands frequently, and wearing masks in places full of people
“Health experts have clarified that the HMPV is not a new virus; it was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating around the world for several years,” Indian Health Minister JP Nadda said on Monday. “The country's health systems and surveillance networks are vigilant and not cause for concern.”
Nadda said the infected people had no recent travel history in India and that the government was “closely monitoring the situation in China and neighboring countries.”
The Health Ministry also said the HMPV infections were “not a cause for concern,” as there had been no unusual increase in respiratory illnesses detected in the country, and noted that India had well prepared for any increase should it occur.
“The viral infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most cases recover on their own,” the ministry said in a statement. report Tuesday.
Health organizations, such as the United Nations' World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have not expressed any concern about HMPV infections in Asia.
contributed to this report.
