Context:
On Friday, the Union Health Ministry said it was strictly monitoring the supposed outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. The Ministry said while China reported a rise in respiratory illness, particularly HMPV, India did not observe an unusual spike in winter respiratory diseases.
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
HMPV identified as a new cause emerging particularly for children below 14 years old in the northern provinces. HMPV-adenovirus-infection; respiratory virus first reported in 2001; diseases caused by this virus are mild and somewhat similar to the common cold.
- Symptoms
- There may be wheezing, fever, cough, nasal congestion or runny nose, and sore throat.
- Transmission
- Spread through coughs and sneezes and by touching contaminated materials or being in close proximity to someone with the virus.
- Treatment and prevention
- No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available as of now for HMPV.
- Symptomatic treatment with over-the-counter medications is indicated.
- Prevention consists of frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and wearing a mask when symptomatic.
- Response of Union Health Ministry
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in India.
- From December 16 to 22, acute respiratory infections increased; however, on the whole, the scale and intensity of respiratory diseases in China this year are less than last year.
