The Ministry of Health has issued an advisory. There had been no alert or report of HMPV in India until last week when the Health Ministry revealed that two virus cases had been recorded in the country.
In a new development, two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have allegedly been reported to the Health Ministry in Bengaluru. This is the first ever known instance of this respiratory infection in India. The affected people consist of an 8-month-old child who is currently in the hospital receiving treatment and is stated to be out of danger and a 3-month-old child who has been successfully discharged.
This unforeseen emergence occurs at a time when China is experiencing a wave of HMPV, which has filled hospitals with patients with respiratory diseases such as HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19. Social media footage and videos of China show disease overcrowding the hospitals, straining the health facilities.
What is HMPV? HMPV is a respiratory virus discovered in 2001. It is infectious and has symptoms that are less severe than those of the flu or the cold. C lick, however, affects all age groups and is more severe among children under the age of five, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
Recognizing the Symptoms Common symptoms of HMPV include:
<ul>
<li>Cough</li>
<li>Fever</li>
<li>Nasal congestion</li>
<li>Sore throat</li>
<li>Shortness of breath</li>
</ul>
In worse conditions, the patient can have a persistent cough that is uncomfortably related to wheezing, especially when breathing, which may result in hospitalization. Some effects usually surface after 3 to 6 days of infection.
How Does HMPV Spread? HMPV is highly contagious and spreads through:
<ul>
<li>Physical communication that transpires with the affected person.</li>
<li>Contact with workers or with contaminated hands.</li>
<li>Any contact with respiratory secretions through such activities as coughing or sneezing.</li>
<li>Touching the sick part of the body of a person who has the virus</li>
</ul>
 Prevention Steps: Protect Yourself and Others As there is no available vaccine for HMPV, prevention is possibly the best strategy for now. The Health Ministry has issued the following recommendations:
<ul>
<li>Hands should be frequently washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.</li>
<li>Cough or sneeze on a tissue, then dispose of the tissue or use the inside of your elbow.</li>
<li>Do not touch the eye/nose/mouth with bare hands that are not washed.</li>
<li>Use a face covering when it is difficult to maintain a physical distance from others and do not stand close to sick persons.</li>
<li>Try to avoid being in contact with other people if you are possibly infected.</li>
<li>People with underlying lung diseases or weakened immune systems should exercise extra caution and adhere to all the principles of protection.</li>
</ul>
Current Situation To date, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV except supportive care for the presenting symptoms. Symptomatic relief and control of complications form the cornerstone of this care, which is principally for severe conditions. Therefore, this supports early check-ups, preventive measures, and early medical check-ups in case symptoms worsen.
Call to Action The public is encouraged to invoke caution and follow all recommended measures to prevent getting infected. People are advised to observe guidelines that could avoid the spreading of the virus leading to a surge in compassion for the treatment of the victims.
Check this space for updates on the emerging health threat in North America and other parts of the World!

India reports its first HMPV cases in Bengaluru. Learn about symptoms, transmission, and prevention tips for Human Metapneumovirus.

India Confirms First Cases of HMPV in Bengaluru