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Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist of the World Health Organisation, said there is no reason to panic about the human metapneumovirus (HMPV). "It is a well-known virus that causes respiratory infections, with symptoms that are mostly mild," she said in a post on X. Swaminathan also urged people to take the usual precautions for cold symptoms, such as wearing masks, washing hands, etc.
instructed the people
While making people aware, she said that "Instead of panicking, we should all take normal precautions when we have cold. We should wear masks, wash hands, avoid crowds, consult a doctor if we have severe symptoms." The assurance of the former WHO scientist came after three infants in Karnataka and Gujarat tested positive for the virus on Monday. The first case of HMPV was reported in India just a few days ago.
Two of the three cases were detected through routine surveillance of multiple respiratory viral pathogens by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Karnataka. None of the patients had any history of international travel.
no need to be afraid of the virus
HMPV is a respiratory virus that has recently spread in China and has caught the world's attention. It is a viral pathogen that can cause respiratory infections in people of all age groups. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has said that the Health Ministry is monitoring the spread of the virus in China. Trying to allay fears, he stressed that it is "not a new virus and there is no need to be afraid of it."
This is not a new virus
Earlier, the Health Ministry had emphasised that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including India, and cases of associated respiratory illnesses have been reported in various countries. There has been no unusual increase in cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) in India. HMPV was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001 and is a virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. It is closely related to Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets released by coughing or sneezing as well as by touching contaminated surfaces or coming in direct contact with infected persons.
