What is Human Metapneumovirus? Will China’s new virus be the next threat to India?
The global health crisis in the last few years has made it clear that the threat of infectious diseases can emerge anytime and from anywhere. In a world grappling with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, another virus has now raised concerns. The rapidly spreading Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has attracted the attention of the local and international populations. This disease, which mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, is similar to corona in its symptoms and can prove fatal, especially for children and the elderly. In such a situation, is this new virus taking the world towards another pandemic?
According to media reports, the threat of Human Metapneumovirus is increasing in China. In a video related to this, viral on social media, a huge crowd is seen in the hospital and crematorium. Seeing the video, it can be said that the situation in China at present is the same as it was during Corona.
At present, no information or warning has been officially issued by the Chinese government or the World Health Organization (WAO) regarding the state of infection in China. It is worth noting that the symptoms and complications of the disease spreading in China are very similar to Corona. In such a situation, questions are being raised about whether another epidemic is going to spread from China to the world like Corona.
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that causes symptoms like common cold. It often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and asthma exacerbation or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. HMPV infection is more common in winter and early spring.
Most people get HMPV before the age of 5. You can also get HMPV again, but the symptoms are usually mild after the first infection.
Symptoms of human metapneumovirus
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Rashes
How is human metapneumovirus spread?
HMPV can spread by direct contact with a person infected with the virus or by touching things contaminated with the virus. For example:
- Coughing and sneezing.
- Shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
- Touching surfaces or objects such as phones, doorknobs, keyboards or toys
Preventive steps by Chinese authority
The news of increasing respiratory infections in China has sparked a debate about a new epidemic around the world, but till now neither the Chinese government nor the WHO has issued any official warning.
Some international media reports are definitely saying that China's disease control officials are on alert regarding the infectious disease. Health officials have started a pilot system for monitoring. Its aim is to improve preparations for respiratory diseases during the winter months.
What is the threat to India?
Amidst the news of increasing disease in China, the question is also arising in the minds of the people how much danger is there in Indian people from this disease?
Amid global risks, the Health Ministry on Friday said that the situation is being monitored here in connection with the recent reports of the outbreak of HMPV spreading in China, there is nothing to fear or worry about for the people in India at the moment.
On the other hand, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has given information that two cases of HMPV infection have been found in Karnataka. At the same time, after getting cases of the HMPV virus, the Health Minister of Karnataka has called an emergency meeting.
One of them is a three-month-old girl and the other is an 8-month-old child. The government has said that there is no need to panic about this virus. Let us tell you that there is no history of international travel in either of these cases.
Some important points to know about Human Metapneumovirus
- The news of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has increased the concerns of the people, let's know about this disease.
- Human Metapneumovirus infection causes cold-like symptoms. It usually causes upper respiratory tract infection.
- It is also believed to trigger pneumonia, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in some people.
- Young children, people over 65 years of age or those with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms.
- In most people, the infection can cause problems such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing and shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Like Corona, there can be a risk of HMPV spreading from one infected person to another. To prevent this, hand hygiene, covering the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and strengthening immunity are recommended.