China News / A deadly virus like Corona is spreading in China, how dangerous is it?

China News: The corona virus that spread in China 5 years ago has wreaked havoc all over the world, and now once again news of a new virus is coming from China. The name of this virus is Human Metapneumovirus. The worrying thing is that the symptoms of this virus are similar to those of the corona virus. Problems like cough-cold, difficulty in breathing are being seen in people infected with this virus, due to which people are scared again. The Chinese Health Department has issued an alert due to the increasing cases of this virus and has accelerated testing.

Human Metapneumovirus: What is this virus?

According to epidemiologist Dr. Jugal Kishore, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that causes symptoms like common cold. However, it can affect the lungs and in severe cases can cause diseases like pneumonia, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This virus especially infects children. Its symptoms in children are similar to RSV infection, which causes cough, cold and fever.

Why is the situation in China worrisome?

Cases of human motapneumovirus are increasing rapidly in China. According to the report of China CDC, more cases of this virus are being reported in children under two years of age. This virus can be more dangerous for people who already have respiratory problems. This virus spreads very fast from one person to another. In such a situation, the Chinese health department has started large-scale testing to prevent this virus and is preparing to deal with emergency-like situations.

Is there a risk of this virus in India?

Dr. Ajit Kumar of the Department of Medicine at Delhi's GTB Hospital says that human motapneumovirus is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001. This virus is present in the environment in all seasons and its cases keep coming up in some countries from time to time. Although this virus mainly affects young children, its symptoms are mild in most cases.

According to Dr. Kumar, there is no need to panic about this virus in India. Although this virus spreads rapidly, in most cases it does not cause serious illness. In only a few cases it can take the form of a serious problem like pneumonia. At present it is important that the World Health Organization (WHO) keeps an eye on the increasing cases of this virus and issues guidelines.

Measures to prevent human pneumovirus

It is important to take some precautionary steps to avoid this virus.

Washing hands: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

Caution while coughing or sneezing: Cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing.

Keep distance from infected people: If a person is suffering from a cold or other infectious disease, keep distance from him.

Wear a mask: If you are sick and cannot avoid coming in contact with others, it is important to wear a mask.

Treatment of Human MOPneumovirus

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for this virus. In most cases, patients are treated based on symptoms.

If the patient's condition is serious, he can be hospitalized.

The patient is treated with oxygen therapy and medicines to prevent lung infection.

No antibiotic is also available for this virus, because it is not a bacterial but a viral infection.

Concerns and vigilance related to the virus

According to some media reports, emergency-like situations are being created in China due to this virus. However, experts believe that Human MOPneumovirus is a decades-old virus and there is no need to panic.

But, this virus can prove to be dangerous for those who are already suffering from respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is very important to be cautious and follow preventive measures. It is important to keep an eye on the events happening in China and follow the guidelines of health organizations so that the spread of this virus can be stopped.

Correct information and precautionary measures are our strongest means of protection against Human Pneumovirus.