HMPV Cases: Amidst concerns, cases of the HMPV virus started decreasing in China, know what is the situation in India?

New HMPV cases are continuously being reported in India despite strict surveillance. New HMPV cases have been reported in Gujarat, Assam, and Puducherry in the past week. Amid growing concerns about HMPV, good news has come from China. Cases of the HMPV virus have started decreasing in China, but it is still not time for India to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus, and it has been with us for at least two decades," researcher Wang Liping said during a press briefing by China's National Health Commission. Wang said the number of cases of the virus, which was first detected in the Netherlands in 2001, has increased in recent years. He said the number of HMPV cases is now fluctuating, and the rate of positive cases is declining in northern provinces.
How many cases in India?
On Monday, a new case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was reported in India from Puducherry, where a girl complained of fever, cough, and runny nose and tests confirmed that she had HMPV. After this case, there are now a total of 17 cases of HMPV in India, with Gujarat having the highest number of five cases, followed by Maharashtra and Kolkata having three each, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry having two each and Assam having one case. Although no emergency warning has been issued by the administration, people are being urged to take precautions.
HMPV Symptoms and Prevention?
HMPV causes cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat and difficulty in breathing. It mostly attacks small children. To avoid it, wash your hands before eating, avoid coming in contact with infected people and get yourself tested if you have cough, cold and fever. Take special care of children.