Covid-like HMPV outbreak in China: What we know so far
 |
| Health Ministry monitoring respiratory, seasonal influenza cases amid HMPV outbreak in China, say Officials sources(Photo | ANI) |
The year 2025 has dawned with a new respiratory illness-- caused by human metapneumovirus (HMPV)--outbreak in China creating a scare among the people here.
Coming as it does five years since the outbreak of Covid-19, which wreaked havoc in many parts of the world, there are reasons for panic.
Does HMPV have anything in common with the outbreak of Covid-19, which struck India--after it was first reported in China-- in January 2020?
Although social media is replete with posts claiming that the situation is dire in China, neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared any stage of emergency so far.
The surge in infections is still being examined as the outbreak coincides with winter, a time when cases of respiratory illnesses usually peak. As per reports, the HMPV is spreading along with multiple viruses like influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Covid-19.
What is the HMPV virus?
The human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus that affects the upper respiratory system, sometimes causing lower respiratory infections, was first discovered in 2001.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects individuals across all age groups, especially those with weak immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Infants, children under the age of five, and adults over the age of 65 are also at risk.
HMPV is more common in winter and early spring and people affected by it show symptoms similar to a common cold or flu. Cough, runny or stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, wheezing or shortness of breath to name a few. In some cases, the infection is also at risk of escalating to bronchitis, pneumonia or asthma exacerbations.
Is it preventable?
HMPV spreads through close contact with people affected by the virus, especially through droplets from coughing or sneezing, close contact such as touching or shaking hands, contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
The following are some measures recommended by CDC to reduce the risk of HMPV:
Maintain hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for minimum 20 seconds
Avoid touching face with unwashed hands
Wear masks in crowded places
Try not to step outside home once an outbreak is reported
Treatment for HMPV
HMPV is not a new virus and does not cause an imminent pandemic threat. However, the seasonal surges are typical as people re-expose to pathogens post Covid 19.
There are no specific vaccines for HMPV. One can focus on alleviating symptoms by staying hydrated, taking proper rest and using over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain, congestion, and fever.
However, severe cases require proper care from health specialists and hospitalisation for oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids. Severe cases shows symptoms such as difficulty breathing or cyanosis (bluish skin) alongside chronic health conditions like COPD or asthma.
The Centre has allayed unnecessary fears over the virus. The health ministry has said that it is closely monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, Dr Suresh Gupta, Paediatrics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital was quoted as saying by PTI that, "This is not a new virus, this an old virus. It is known for more than 20 years. It comes particularly in winter season, it is like influenza virus, normal viral fever," he said.
"In most of the cases, the symptoms are cold, cough, fever, and they are self limiting. With general medicine, they settle down at home. Most of the children who get this infection, do not require hospitalisation. So mostly it is a mild infection," the doctor added.
(With inputs from PTI.)
source: The New Indian Express
No comments:
Post a Comment