HMPV, a new strain of the respiratory virus discovered in 2001, has recently caused concern as a result of a major outburst in China. In this concerning development, India has recorded its first cutaneous HMPV. An eight-month-old baby in Bengaluru was infected on January 6, 2025, with the virus. The public health department is paying attention to this case because of its possible complications.
Another three-month-old baby girl in Bengaluru had bronchopneumonia and tested positive for HMPV. Union Health Ministry confirmed the case as she has been discharged and is recovering.
The public health department is paying attention to the rising cases because of its possible complications.
Government and Public Health Officials' Reaction
In response to questions on the virus spread in India, the ministry explained that HMPV existed in India as a circulation virus around the globe. They pointed out that there has been no reported epidemic of flu-like diseases in the country in the past couple of weeks.
As the HMPV experts pointed out, “Respiratory diseases associated with HMPV have been observed in many nations. Besides, the current data of Year ICMR and IDSP network for the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme do not depict any spike in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) across the country.”
Public Advisory and Preventive Measures Everyone Must Follow
Hand Hygiene: Soap up your hands for twenty seconds
- before leaving home,
- after you return from outside,
- after visiting the washroom,
- after blowing the nose,
- after a sneeze,
- after handling cash,
- and after having a meal.
In case you cannot use soap and water then go for antibacterial liquid soap mixed with 60-90 percent alcohol.
- Respiratory Etiquette: Any time you need to cough or sneeze, make sure you do it with your mouth and nose concealed by a tissue or the curve of your elbow. Subsequently, dispose of the used tissue, and then wash your hands.
- Avoid Touching Face: Don’t touch your face, especially your eyes, nose, or mouth since this brings the virus into your body system.
- Stay Home When Sick: If you have a flu, cough, or fever, for instance.
- Use of Masks: This applies particularly to crowded or enclosed places where physical distancing might not be feasible – for the entire period that you have symptoms compatible with an upper respiratory tract infection, use a face mask.
- Seek Medical Attention: If any of the members of your family gets a disease and gets other complications like breathing issues, you should consult a doctor.
Why does HMPV Raise Concern?
It causes respiratory diseases that range from simple flu syndrome to severe disease. The most sensitive populations include infants, elderly people, and patients experiencing compromised immune systems. Though it affects the whole world, China being an epicenter, Asian countries are more at risk. Here’s why:
Dense Population
People in congested areas are more likely to transmit infections from one person to another in places such as transport, schools, or workplaces.
Vulnerable Age Group
The HMPV disease majorly affects children below the age of five, seniors, and people with weak immunity. There are massive populations in most Asian countries in these vulnerable groups of the population.
Tropical season
The tropical climate of Asian countries makes it possible for respiratory viruses to circulate throughout the year. While it is not so in the temperate zones where incidence is mostly seasonal.
Unresearched and Unknown
HMPV remains underdiagnosed in many regions of Asia because of unawareness or lack of diagnostic capacity.
Healthcare authorities are doing their best to monitor the situation closely. The officials urge the people to stay calm and follow the above-given preventive measures against this respiratory illness.
With inputs from agencies
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Ayushi is passionate about creating content that not only interests the reader but actually helps them add to their knowledge. Holding a degree in science, Ayushi is exploring her creative writing as she transforms ideas into compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
