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Health experts, however, have warned that viral infections increase in children during winter and they should not be taken to school if they show symptoms of flu.
Experts say that in order to be protected, all those with the common cold must ensure that they follow Covid guidelines such as wearing a mask in public. (Photo: AFP)
As India reported its first cases of Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, Health experts say the outbreak is not a public health emergency, or a “Covid-like” situation. However, they warned that viral diseases increase in children during winter and they should not be taken to school if they have flu symptoms. .
Five newborns tested positive for HMPV Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat on Monday, as Union health minister JP Nadda sought to allay fears saying the government was closely monitoring the situation and there there is no reason to worry.
Referring to Nadda, former ICMR scientist Dr Raman Gangakhedkar said CNN-News18 that India should not worry about this virus, as it was always present in the country but was recently discovered. He said it is mostly found in mild form in winter and does not lead to death.
“There are no studies in the world where it is recorded that cases have died. This is a common flu virus and children are only infected as adults are repeatedly infected with the virus,” he said. CNN-News18.
READ ALSO | Explained: Is HMPV Like Covid-19, How Does It Spread? Everything You Need to Know About the Disease
Gangakhedkar, however, warned that children under the age of five who have symptoms of flu should not be sent to school, as they could end up spreading the virus. “In order to be protected, all those with the common cold must ensure that they follow the Covid guidelines if they have a child under five years of age. If your child is under 5 years old and has a fever, they should not be taken to school because they will spread the disease to others…,” she said.
He went on to say that this virus will cause “a very serious disease” in children as it is the first time they are infected. he added.
The expert also said that globally, each country reports HMPV among all respiratory diseases. He said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a study between 2016 and 2018, where 16,000 patients were tested for this virus and other respiratory viruses. The virus was found in them, which confirmed that it is present in India, he added.
READ ALSO | Human Metapneumovirus: Has HMPV Been Around Since 1958? Why Was 2001 Underrated?
‘HIGH VIRUS IN CHILDREN IN THE 6-12 MONTH GROUP’
Adding to Gangakhedkar’s views, Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Padma Shri and chairman of Nephron Clinic, told CNN-News18 that HMPV has been around the world for the last twenty and a half years. Dr. Bagai said that although there are no approved medications or vaccines for this virus, they are not necessary.
“Don’t be afraid. It’s not a situation like Covid; this virus brings attention to respiratory diseases in winter, which increase especially in children. The virus is more common in infants in the group of six to 12 months,” he said.
He went on to say that parents must ensure that children get water and are fed with nutritious food. He also stressed the importance of safety measures. “Three important things: wear a mask, go to well-ventilated areas, keep your environment clean and avoid contact with infected people,” he added.
HMPV is a a respiratory virus known worldwide which recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China. It is an HIV virus that causes respiratory infections in people of all ages.
The virus was first discovered in 2001 and belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family. It is spread by respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as by touching a contaminated surface or by direct contact with infected people.
While i Karnataka, Gujaratiagain Maharashtra governments ensure that there is no reason to panic, i Delhi Govt he ordered all hospitals in the capital to be fully prepared to handle possible respiratory disease operations.
HOW MANY CRIMES?
Two cases were detected in Karnataka by ICMR through routine surveillance of multiple respiratory viruses. A three-month-old girl with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. He has been discharged, said the Ministry of Health.
An eight-month-old boy with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. Now he is recovering, it said. And they have no history of international travel, minus the service.
READ ALSO | ‘HMPV Reemerges in Winter’: China Downplays Outbreak, Indian Doctors Agree on Explanation
In the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, two more children were found to be infected with the virus. The two are the first cases reported in the city and are being treated at two hospitals, officials said.
The fifth case was reported in Ahmedabad of Gujarat. A two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in the city was diagnosed with HMPV. The infant, from Dungarpur in Rajasthan, was admitted to the hospital on December 24, 2024, with symptoms of a respiratory infection. Initially, the child needed ventilator support but his condition is stable, said Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation medical officer Bhavin Solanki.
WHAT DOES THE GOVERNMENT SAY?
Nadda said the government is closely monitoring the situation and there is no reason to worry. He said HMPV is not a new virus and no outbreak of any common respiratory virus has been seen in the country.
In a video message, he said that after the latest reports of this virus in China, the Ministry of Health, ICMR, and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) are closely monitoring the situation in the neighboring country and others in the neighboring country. region.
READ ALSO | ‘China’s HMPV Outbreak Is Not a Threat Unless…’ Top Epidemiologist Says Indians Can Breathe Easy Now
The Union health minister said the World Health Organization (WHO) “has taken note of the situation and will share the report with us soon.” surgery for any common respiratory infection is seen in India,” he said.
(By PTI)