The virus is most common in winter and early spring, spreading through direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.

Amid rising concerns over human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections after two cases were reported in Karnataka, states across India have issued guidelines for public safety, outlining key dos and don’ts.

The Union health ministry, in a statement, said that the two cases were detected as part of the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) ongoing efforts to monitor and control respiratory illnesses across the country.

HMPV is a respiratory virus circulating worldwide, including in India. While it has been linked to respiratory illnesses in several countries, no unusual surge in cases has been reported in India.

The ministry said that infections, including the human metapneumovirus, are more likely to impact children, the elderly, and those with serious illnesses or receiving palliative care, advising them to take extra precautions.

The virus is most prevalent during the winter and early spring months and is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.

Here’s the safety checklist to follow
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid crowded places, especially if feeling unwell, and limit close contact with others.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Do not self-medicate
Stay home if you have a fever, cough, or are sneezing.
Adequate ventilation with outdoor air is recommended.
What to avoid for safety:
Reusing tissue paper or handkerchief.
Close contact with sick people.
Frequent touching of eyes, nose, and mouth.
Spitting in public places.
Common symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and in some cases, wheezing or shortness of breath. Some individuals, particularly the very young, elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe respiratory conditions such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

Though HMPV shares similarities with other respiratory viruses like RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), measles, and mumps, it does not have a vaccine, and no antiviral treatments are available.

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HMPV virus symptoms: It can lead to mild flu-like symptoms but poses greater risks to children and the elderly, prompting health officials to advise caution.

HMPV virus: An eight-month-old child in Bengaluru is suspected to have contracted Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The case was detected at a private hospital, and the hospital has reported the suspected infection to health authorities.

However, as of now, the state health department has not verified the results independently, they acknowledged the credibility of the private facility’s findings. “We trust the accuracy of their testing procedures,” a health department official said, according to an India Today report.

The Karnataka Health Department had on Monday stated that no cases of HMPV had been reported in the state. The detection of the suspected case has raised concerns, but health officials have emphasized that it remains unconfirmed until further lab results are obtained.

What is HMPV Virus?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that typically causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. The virus is most prevalent during the winter and early spring months and is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and in some cases, wheezing or shortness of breath. Some individuals, particularly the very young, elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe respiratory conditions such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

Though HMPV shares similarities with other respiratory viruses like RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), measles, and mumps, it does not have a vaccine, and no antiviral treatments are available. Most people recover with rest and hydration, but in severe cases, hospitalization and supportive treatments like oxygen therapy may be necessary.

The American Lung Association has recognized HMPV as a significant cause of acute respiratory infections, particularly among children. The virus was first discovered in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands and has since been identified as a key cause of respiratory illness during the winter and spring months.

HMPV Virus symptoms
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections typically present with mild symptoms, including:

Cough
Runny nose or nasal congestion
Sore throat
Fever
However, in some cases, HMPV can lead to more severe illness, characterized by:

Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Hoarseness
Pneumonia
Aggravation of asthma in adults
In children younger than 1 year of age, the elderly and persons who have weak immune systems, hMPV can cause more serious respiratory illness.

Who is at risk?
While anyone can contract HMPV, the virus is most concerning for young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable, with about 5-16% of cases potentially progressing to lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia. Elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions may experience more severe symptoms as well.

Health experts have advised that while there is no immediate cause for panic, individuals at higher risk of complications should take precautions to avoid exposure to the virus, particularly during the peak winter and spring months.

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Jagbir suffered a heart attack while the doctors were treating him for the blocked artery.

Former India forward and hockey coach Jagbir Singh on Friday complained of chest congestion and was rushed to the hospital, where he suffered a massive heart attack during a procedure.

The two-time Olympian is here for the Hockey India League (HIL) with Team Gonasika.

Jagbir felt breathing problems during the team’s training session on Friday afternoon and was immediately taken to Apollo Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a blocked artery.

He suffered a heart attack while the doctors were treating him for the blocked artery.

“Jagbir felt breathing problems after he went to hotel following the Team Gonasika’s training session with whom he is associated. He was instantly taken to Apollo Hospital where he is under ICU now,” a source told PTI.

An excellent forward of his time, Jagbir is currently in ICU.

The 59-year-old former Air India employee represented India in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and the 1992 Games in Barcelona.

He played for India between 1985 and 1996, winning a bronze medal in the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul and a silver in the 1990 edition in Beijing. In all, he earned 175 international caps.

Jagbir coached the Indian men’s team in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

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