Synopsis
HMPV Symptoms: India has confirmed three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka amid reports of an outbreak in China. Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh clarified that HMPV is not a new or mysterious virus, stressing the importance of awareness and vigilance.
Amid reports of a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, India has reported three cases so far. The most recent case involves a two-month-old boy from Dungarpur, Rajasthan, who was diagnosed with HMPV in Gujarat.
Earlier on Monday, two HMPV cases were confirmed in Bengaluru, Karnataka, as part of ICMR’s ongoing respiratory pathogen surveillance.
Meanwhile, China has downplayed the outbreak of flu and said that the country is safe to travel. India’s health ministry has re-assured there is no cause for alarm regarding HMPV reports from China and they are monitoring the situation.
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The increase in respiratory illnesses in China has sparked comparisons to the COVID pandemic, which also began there. However, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh from Hyderabad explained in an interview with South First that HMPV is neither a “mysterious virus” nor new. It is not rare, and cases of HMPV are reported annually.
‘HMPV is not a mystery virus’
Urging the public to be aware of the present situation, Sivaranjani Santosh told South First that there is no need to panic about HMPV cases in India. She stressed the need to create awareness and remain vigilant.
“We see it every year. It’s not a mystery virus. If there’s a new mutation, there is no information about it as of now. Let’s stay vigilant but avoid creating unnecessary suspense or panic. Precautions are essential, as always,” South First quoted Santosh in an interview.
As there has been no official update on HMPV mutation in India, the main focus should be on ” educating the public on preventing the spread of respiratory viruses, whether it is HMPV, influenza or RSV,” reported South First. Sivaranjani Santosh is a paediatrician who has treated HMPV cases since 2022.
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What are the symptoms of HMPV
Shedding light on HMPV virus symptoms, Dr Santosh told South First that in most cases the infection has symptoms similar to that of “typical flu” like “cough, cold, and fever”.
As per Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of human metapneumovirus include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Rash
Most people get HMPV before they turn 5. You can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection.Human metapneumovirus most often causes symptoms similar to a cold, but some people can get very sick. You’re more likely to get severely sick the first time you get HMPV, which is why young kids have a greater risk for serious illness. You get some protection (immunity) from your first infection and then are more likely to have mild, cold-like symptoms if you get another HMPV infection. Adults over 65 and people with breathing problems or a weakened immune system may also get severe symptoms.