Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 07, 2025, 09:27 AM
HMPV Case in India: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has knocked in India, and its cases are increasing continuously. Recently, two suspected patients of HMPV have been reported in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Earlier, cases of this virus were also reported in Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.Two suspected cases of HMPV in NagpurA 13-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy were found to have symptoms of HMPV in Nagpur. Both the children had common symptoms like cold, cough and fever. When the family got the test done in a private lab, the report came positive. However, these children did not need to be hospitalized and their condition has been controlled with treatment at home.Bombay Municipal Corporation on alert modeThe Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started taking precautions regarding this virus. JJ and St. George Hospital have been made the main centers for the treatment of suspected cases of HMPV. Citizens have been advised to be cautious and get tested immediately if symptoms appear.How to ensure the safety of children from HMPV?This virus is affecting children more, so their care is especially important.Take care of hygiene: Encourage children to wash their hands regularly and maintain hygiene.Prevention of infection: Avoid traveling to public and infected areas.Take care of nutrition: Include nutritious food in children's diet so that their immunity is strong.Pay attention to the symptoms: If the child is having persistent fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing, contact the doctor immediately.What are the symptoms of HMPV?This virus mainly affects children and the elderly. Its main symptoms are:High fever (more than 103°F or 40°C)Difficulty breathingBlue discoloration of skin, lips or nails (cyanosis)Fatigue and weaknessHow is HMPV tested?If you or your child shows the above symptoms, the doctor can test for HMPV based on your medical history and symptoms. For this, a sample is taken from the nose or throat.Caution and prevention are the biggest solutionsTo prevent HMPV, it is very important to maintain hygiene, increase the immunity of children and seek immediate medical help if symptoms appear. This virus is not serious in most cases, but ignoring the initial symptoms can prove to be costly.