Imphal: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) disease is a respiratory illness which was discovered in 2001, it is not a new virus or an imminent pandemic threat; seasonal surges are typical, said Manipur Health directorate on Wednesday.
No cases has been reported in Manipur till date. Mock drill for preparedness of health facilities to meet any outbreak/unusual surge has been conducted during Novembe 12-14, 2024. All district surveillance units are on alert for any unusual clustering of ILI/SARI cases. Lab confirmation for HMPV can be done for SARI cases through IDSP network. Any suspect may contact district health authority for further necessary action. “There is no need to panic,” said Dr. Chambo Gonmei, director Health services, Manipur.
Symptoms are similar to any other respiratory viral infection. Common symptoms are cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath. Bronchitis and pneumonia may occur in severe cases. Transmission is through respiratory droplets, close personal contact and touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes, the health directorate said.
Prevention is similar to Covid-19. Washing hands with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed or unsensitized hands, cough etiquette and staying at home when sick. Confirmatory test is RT-PCR in VRDL Labs. There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV, it added.
Current focus on HMPV is due to reports of a rise in IIMPV CAWS in China, which Chinese officials have attributed to expected seasonal increase in respiratory diseases in winter.
In India, in December 2024, 16 VRDLs tested 714 suspects, nine found positive (1.3 percent positivity rate), no deaths so far. After the China upsurge, seven positive cases have been reported as on Januaryv8 (Karnataka (2), Gujarat (I), Maharashtra (2), Tamilnadu (2).
IDSP Data indicates no unusual surge in ILI/SAR1 cases in the country. ILl/SARI surveillance is strengthened, the health directorate said.
+ There are no comments
Add yours