China is currently facing a significant crisis. The global community is on high alert. There are no indications of a decrease in the number of cases. The total fatalities remain uncertain. Unverified reports suggest that a medical emergency has been declared in China. There are varying perspectives regarding the lethality of this new coronavirus. Similar to other coronavirus variants, the HMPV virus primarily affects the lungs.
The human metanephrine-HMPV virus, which originated in China, is disseminating more rapidly than anticipated to various countries globally. In this regard, four instances of the HMPV virus have been reported in India to date. Two cases have been identified in Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, while another case was confirmed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Additionally, a case has been detected in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. Notably, a five-month-old infant has tested positive for HMPV. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has disclosed this information. In Bengaluru, two children aged 3 and 8 months have also tested positive for the HMPV virus, and a 2-month-old infant in Ahmedabad has been confirmed as infected. Medical professionals indicate that the children’s conditions are currently stable, and the ICMR reports that no symptoms have been observed in these children. The virus was identified during a series of tests conducted on several children.
Conversely, similar to the variants of the Coronavirus, the HMPV virus also affects the respiratory system. Symptoms such as cold, cough, mucus production, and fever are prevalent. At present, the global community is grappling with the Coronavirus, which has significantly compromised lung health. Will this emerging virus exert a greater influence this time around? What are the current developments in China? What measures will our nation undertake? Let us explore these questions.
Four people test positive across the country
Health authorities have identified HMPV infection in two infants, an 8-month-old and a 3-month-old, in Bengaluru. Additionally, a 2-month-old in Gujarat has also tested positive for HMPV. In Kolkata, another child exhibited symptoms associated with the Chinese virus. All affected children are experiencing fever; however, none have a recent travel history to China. Notably, the first reported case of HMPV emerged from Gujarat, where an infant in Ahmedabad presented with cold and fever symptoms. Following treatment at a private hospital, the child was reported to be in stable condition, although a subsequent test in a private laboratory confirmed the HMPV infection. The infections were detected after the children were admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, where both had a prior history of bronchopneumonia, a type of lung infection that impacts the alveoli and bronchi.
Central team holds emergency meeting
India has been notified regarding the rise in cases of the HMPV virus in China. In response, a joint monitoring group convened under the leadership of the Directorate General of Health Services. During the meeting, experts indicated that there is currently no cause for alarm in India despite the surge in HMPV cases in China. They emphasized that they are vigilantly observing the situation in China. The World Health Organization has also stated that it is continuously monitoring developments in that region. The Joint Monitoring Group noted that viruses such as influenza, RSV, and HMPV are proliferating in China due to seasonal changes associated with winter. There is no significant cause for concern regarding the HMPV virus in India. The Health Ministry has disclosed that tests for RSV and HMPV are already being conducted in various locations as a precautionary measure. The Union Health Ministry affirmed its preparedness to address any unforeseen rise in respiratory illnesses.
Masks are mandatory once again..!
India is currently vigilant regarding the rising instances of the HMPV virus within its borders. Experts indicate that there is no immediate cause for alarm. The government of Telangana has also heightened its alert status. The medical and health department has recommended that individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms should wear masks. It has confirmed that there have been no reported cases of the HMPV virus in the state to date. Nevertheless, individuals experiencing cold and cough symptoms are advised to avoid crowded places. Let us examine the precautions being recommended by the Telangana medical and health department.
Do’s and don’ts:
Cover your cough or sneeze with a mask or handkerchief.
Do not shake hands with anyone.
Wash your hands frequently with soap or sanitizer.
Tissue paper and handkerchiefs should not be reused.
If you have a cough or cold… you should not go to crowded places.
Don’t be close to people who are sick.
Physical distancing should be maintained for those suffering from colds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth frequently.
Make sure there is enough air and light in the house.
Spitting in public places is not allowed.
If you are sick, you should stay home.
Most importantly, do not use medications without consulting a doctor.
The new virus has the same symptoms as Corona..!
This novel virus exhibits symptoms that closely resemble those of the coronavirus. It transmits swiftly from individual to individual. Medical professionals indicate that transmission occurs via sneezing, coughing, and saliva. They also note that it can be airborne, similar to the coronavirus. The virus is known to lead to pneumonia and respiratory infections. Symptoms tend to manifest rapidly in children under the age of five, particularly in infants, as well as in elderly individuals over 65 years. Furthermore, it poses significant risks for those with chronic illnesses, including tuberculosis, respiratory conditions, cancer, and HIV.
This is China’s response to the HMPV virus!
The nation has addressed the outbreak of the HMPV virus in China by attempting to minimize its significance. It has rejected claims suggesting that the virus has led to a rise in hospital overcrowding. Authorities in China have asserted that the severity of the respiratory illness typically seen in winter is less than that of the previous year. Furthermore, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has indicated that it is safe for foreigners to visit the country.
World Health Organization enters the field
The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently offering prompt updates regarding the situation to guide ongoing efforts in China. Recent preparedness drills carried out nationwide have demonstrated that India is adequately prepared to manage any possible increase in respiratory illnesses and can swiftly enact public health measures if necessary.
When was the first case?
HMPV was initially identified in 2001 and belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Common symptoms linked to HMPV typically encompass cough, fever, nasal congestion, and breathing difficulties. A physician from the Directorate General of Health Services previously indicated that the illness presents flu-like symptoms, particularly in the elderly and very young children. He reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm regarding the current circumstances.
Doctors’ advice on the virus
Medical professionals have recommended implementing consistent measures to prevent respiratory infections. They advise that individuals experiencing a cough or cold should limit their interactions with others to prevent the transmission of the infection. It is also suggested to utilize a dedicated handkerchief or towel when coughing or sneezing. In cases of cold or fever, it is important to adhere to prescribed medications; however, there is no cause for alarm regarding the current circumstances, according to health experts.
Stock market plummets
The stock market experienced a significant decline on Monday, January 6, attributed to the emergence of the HMPV virus originating from China. This development triggered widespread panic among investors, particularly after four individuals nationwide tested positive for the virus. Both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange recorded a drop exceeding one and a half percent. Out of 30 stocks, 28, including major companies such as Tata Steel and Infosys, closed in the red. Shares of Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank saw declines of over 2 percent. Consequently, investors in the stock market faced a loss exceeding Rs. 11 lakh crore.
