HMPV Virus : Panic due to finding a case of HMPV virus in Assam, 10 month old child infected..

Cases of the HMPV virus are being consistently reported across the country, with a case also identified in Assam.

HMPV Virus

HMPV Virus : cases are consistently emerging across the country. Recently, a case has been identified in Assam as well. A 10-month-old infant in Lakhimpur is infected with the HMPV virus. The child is currently receiving treatment at Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh. According to doctors, the child's condition is stable and there is no cause for concern.

Following this case in Assam, the country has recorded a total of 15 Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases. Gujarat has the highest count with 4 cases. On Friday, one case was identified in both Rajasthan and Gujarat. Previously, 3 cases were reported on Thursday.

Sikkim government issued health advisory

Instances of this disease are on the rise in China because of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Following recent reports about the surge in cases, the Sikkim government has released an advisory to closely monitor the situation. Sikkim has a border of nearly 200 kilometers with China, as it is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and northeast.

A senior official reported that the chief secretary recently convened a meeting with the health and family welfare department to evaluate the current threat and examine the state's readiness. During the meeting, various aspects of the virus, including its transmission methods and potential symptoms upon infection, were discussed. The official stated that the health and family welfare department is continuously monitoring the situation.

Centre asked to review surveillance on respiratory diseases

In response to the increase in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, the Centre on Tuesday urged states to enhance surveillance of respiratory diseases in the country. During a virtual meeting with states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava stated, "States should bolster and review surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI)."

Salila Srivastava also recommended that states raise public awareness about preventing virus infections. The recommendations include frequent hand washing with soap, refraining from touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoiding close contact with individuals displaying symptoms of the disease. Additionally, covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing was emphasized.