HMPV Virus reported in Bangalore as India on high alert amid global outbreak

National news: A dangerous virus from China has now reached Indian shores. HMPV or Human Metapneumovirus has been reported for the first time in a child who was admitted to a private hospital here with a high fever. Blood tests confirmed that the child, an 8-month-old girl, was infected with the HMPV virus. Though lab tests confirmed the presence of the virus, there has been no official word on this case by the Union Health Ministry.

Quick spread of HMPV virus in China sends alarm

The HMPV virus had spread rapidly through China, and for this reason, the government announced emergencies in regions. Mask usage has been restarted, and emergency wards in various hospitals are choked with patients-majorly the elders and children. The situation seems to have been worsened by queues outside hospitals along with a great increase in the number of cases of respiratory infection. The returning of masks into China shows a grave situation for that country while a similar trend that might be developing in neighboring nations like India, as well.

India puts on red alert as cases of HMPV virus come out

Responding to the reports of the spread of HMPV in China, the government has asked its people to take high alert where there have been symptoms of respiratory infection and the incidence of flu. ICMR would augment its lab capacity to test the virus. It is reported that NCDC has already set about to monitor HMPV trends all year through. The government also requested updates from the World Health Organization and emphasized that it is prepared to face such respiratory diseases.

 HMPV Virus closely resembles COVID-19

Symptoms of the HMPV virus are identical to those of COVID-19, such as high fever, cough, respiratory distress, lung infections, nasal congestion, and wheezing. All these symptoms have led alarmists, raising questions and concerns that this might lead to the resurgence of respiratory diseases similar to what was visible with COVID-19.

What is HMPV virus?

HMPV, a Paramyxoviridae family virus, has been around for several decades. The virus was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001 when it was isolated from children with respiratory diseases. It is transmitted by coughing and sneezing, with increased transmission rates in winter. Experts claim that HMPV has been widely circulating since 1958, but its recent increase in China has caused concern across the globe.