Will the HMPV virus spreading in China become an epidemic?: Three cases reported in India, get a simple answer to an important question from a doctor

Five years after the corona epidemic, the respiratory disease has come to the fore again in China. The name of this new virus is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). News is going viral on social media that HMPV is wreaking so much havoc in China that there is a shortage of beds for patients.

Health officials in China have implemented several protocols to combat the virus. However, no official declaration of emergency has been made regarding this yet. After this news, the whole world is scared of HMPV as similar cases were initially reported during Covid and gradually the disease took the form of an epidemic.

Three cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in India. Two cases have come from Karnataka and one from Gujarat. The infected include an 8-month-old boy and a 3-month-old girl. While a 2-month-old child has tested positive in Ahmedabad. The virus mostly affects children under 2 years of age and the elderly over 65 years of age.

So, today' Health water We will talk about HMPV in “. You will also learn that-

Expert: Dr. Ankit Bansal, Consultant, Internal and Infectious Diseases, Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi

Question: What is the HMPV virus? Answer: HMPV is an RNA virus, which usually causes cold-like symptoms. This can cause a cough or sore throat. A cold may occur. Its risk increases in cold weather.

Question: How is the HMPV virus spread? Answer: The HMPV virus is spread by coughing and sneezing. The virus is spread through contact with an infected person. It is also spread by shaking hands with an infected person or touching anything infected with the virus. Symptoms begin to appear within 3 to 5 days of infection.

Question: What are the symptoms of HMPV disease? Answer: Its most common symptoms are cough and fever. At first, the symptoms appear similar to normal viral symptoms, but if the virus's effects are severe, there may be a risk of pneumonia and bronchitis. What are its features, see in the graphic:

Question: Can a new epidemic spread across the world again? Answer: It is too early to tell about HMPV. It is true that there is a lot of discussion on the internet and social media that there is a new epidemic in China. Some people are even claiming that China is hiding the real situation.

Suppose the HMPV virus is spreading in China. It is also creating trouble for children and the elderly. However, the situation has not gotten so bad that the Chinese government or the World Health Organization should issue any warning about it. So, instead of panicking, we should wait for the official statement.

Question: Is HMPV the same as Corona virus? Answer: HMPV virus (Paramyxoviridae family) and Corona virus (Coronaviridae family), both belong to different families. However, they have many things in common.

Respiratory Related illness: Both viruses primarily affect the respiratory system.

Transmission: Both viruses are spread through inhalation and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Features: Symptoms of both viruses are similar. These include fever, cough, sore throat, chills and difficulty breathing.

Vulnerable Group: Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk from both viruses.

Precautions: Keeping hands clean, wearing a mask and social distancing are important measures to prevent both viruses.

Question: Can this virus spread all over the world like Corona? Answer: This is not a new virus. Last year also there was news of its spread in China. In the year 2023, this virus was also found in countries like Netherlands, Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada and America. It was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001, according to the National Library of Medicine. However, it is believed to be a virus at least 50 years old.

No such type of this virus has been seen yet, which spreads explosively like Corona.

Question: Is there any treatment or vaccine for this disease? Answer: No antiviral drug has yet been developed for the HMPV virus. However, it has a very modest effect on most people. So, its symptoms can be controlled only by staying at home. People with severe symptoms may be given oxygen therapy, IV drips, and corticosteroids (a form of steroid). No vaccine has yet been developed to combat this virus. Because of the HMPV virus, a situation has not yet arisen that requires the development of a vaccine.

Question: Should we start preparations regarding HMPV now? Answer: There is no need to panic about the HMPV virus. Government of India is monitoring this. Being a neighboring country of China, the Indian government is already alert. Most senior doctors are saying that they do not foresee any serious situation due to HMPV in India.

Question: What do Chinese health officials say about HMPV? Answer: China's Ministry of Health has said that the situation is not unusual considering the flu season. HMPV is a common virus circulating this season. The government is closely monitoring the situation.

When asked about foreign travel to China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that more cases of respiratory infections are reported in the winter season. Respiratory diseases are less severe and less prevalent this year than last year. It is safe to travel in China.

Question: Has WHO issued any update on HMPV? Answer: No, the World Health Organization has not yet issued an update on the HMPV virus spreading in China. However, China's neighboring countries have requested the WHO to issue a proper update on this.

Question: What have Indian health officials said about HMPV? Answer: Director General of Health Services of the country Dr. Atul Goyal has said that there is no possibility of any serious situation in this regard in India. Here metapneumovirus is a common respiratory virus. Due to which cold and flu like symptoms are seen. However, its symptoms can be less severe in the elderly and in children under one year of age. Despite this, it is not a serious disease. Our hospitals are fully prepared to deal with the situation.