(ETIMES): Bengaluru has apparently been the site of India's first human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection. Concern over the virus, which is presently spreading in China, is widespread. Reports state that this is the nation's first confirmed case involving an infant who is eight months old.
The sample was tested at a private hospital, and although it was not examined in a government laboratory, health department officials stated they had no reason to doubt the accuracy of the private facility's results. The Karnataka state health department issued an advisory noting no prior cases had been recorded, effectively making this the first documented HMPV case in the state.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that was discovered in 2001 and is closely related to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is particularly harmful to young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems because it primarily affects the lungs and airways. The virus can spread by respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces, making it extremely contagious in close quarters.
Infants with HMPV may have mild to severe symptoms that are similar to those of other respiratory diseases. Fever, a chronic cough, congestion in the nose, fast or laborious breathing, and exhaustion are typical symptoms. Respiratory discomfort can also make eating difficult for infants. In extreme situations, the infection may cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which may necessitate hospitalization.
It is recommended that parents keep an eye out for symptoms of respiratory distress in their infants, such as bluish lips or excessive lethargy, and seek medical help right once if they do. Although there isn't a specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, controlling the infection, especially in vulnerable populations, requires early identification and supportive care.
In a statement, the Indian Union Health Ministry said that HMPV functions similarly to other respiratory viruses, usually producing flu-like and common cold symptoms in the winter. The ministry stressed that common drugs can be used to manage symptoms at home in the majority of cases, which are moderate and self-limiting.
The public has been informed by pediatrician Dr. Suresh Gupta that most children infected with HMPV recover without the need for hospitalization. Despite being common, he added, symptoms like fever, cough, and cold are typically mild and manageable at home.
Awareness of HMPV has increased as a result of the first case reported in India, especially in view of the ongoing pandemic in China. To guarantee prompt treatments and sufficient public health responses, medical professionals are keeping a careful eye on the situation.
