Two cases of HMPV found in India, can it also be as dangerous as COVID-19?

Once again China has become a matter of concern all over the world. For the past few days, a new virus HMPV (HMPV Virus Bangalore) has been creating terror here. Many countries are taking precautions amid the rapidly increasing cases of this virus. Meanwhile, news of concern has come to the fore in India. Two cases of this virus (India HMPV virus) have been reported in the country. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) itself has confirmed this.

As soon as the case of this virus came to the fore in the country, the government came on alert mode. Along with this, guidelines have also been issued regarding this. This virus is considered more dangerous for children, because in China too it is making children its victims. In such a situation, today in this article we will tell you whether it can be as dangerous as HMPV and whether it can prove to be a threat to the country.

Two cases of HMPV were found in Karnataka.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka (Bengaluru baby HMPV case). Regarding this, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that these cases have been detected in the ongoing routine checkup of ICMR to monitor respiratory diseases across the country.

What is the HMPV virus?

Dr. Renu Soni, MD (Respiratory Medicine), Consultant Pulmonologist at NIIMS Medical College, Greater Noida, said that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus, that mainly affects the lungs and airways. This virus was first identified in the year 2001.

It is a major cause of respiratory infection, which mainly affects young children, the elderly, and people with weak immunity. This virus can cause a variety of diseases ranging from common cold-like symptoms to more severe respiratory conditions such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Is it a new virus?

HMPV is not a new virus. As the doctor said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also stated that it was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001. This virus comes from the Pneumoviridae family, of which RSV is also a member.

How is HMPV similar to COVID-19?

This virus spread in China is considered to be as dangerous as COVID-19. Even though these two viruses belong to different viral families, they have many similarities, due to which HMPV is considered dangerous-

Respiratory disease - Both viruses mainly target the respiratory system, which can cause mild or severe infection.

Transmission- Like COVID-19, HMPV can also spread through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms- The symptoms of COVID-19 and HMPV are quite similar, including fever, cough, sore throat, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing.

Who is more at risk- Children, the elderly, and people with weak immunity are at greater risk of HMPV, like COVID-19.

Prevention methods- By taking care of cleanliness, washing hands frequently, wearing masks, and following rules like social distancing, these viruses can be prevented from spreading.

Is there a vaccine for HMPV?

Even though there are many similarities between HMPV and COVID, there are a lot of differences between the two in terms of vaccines. At present, effective vaccines are available for COVID-19, but there is currently no vaccine available for HMPV. Apart from this, antiviral treatments for HMPV are also limited.