India's first case of a Chinese virus like Corona
An 8-month-old girl tests positive in Bengaluru

January 6 kathmandu.The first case of a virus like corona that spread in China has been found in India. The name of the virus is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). According to media reports, an 8-month-old girl in Bangalore has tested positive.

The sample was tested at Baptist Hospital. However, the Karnataka health department clarified that they did not get the sample tested in their lab. The report came from a private hospital.

When infected with the virus, patients show symptoms similar to cold and Covid-19. Its maximum impact is being seen on small children. Among these, children below 2 years of age are the most affected.

The central government had said- HMPV is a common virus in this season. Amidst the increasing cases of HMPV in China, the Government of India had held a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group on January 4. After the meeting, the government had said that the situation in China is not unusual considering the flu season.

The central government said in a statement-

The country is fully prepared to deal with any surge in respiratory disease cases. The rising number of flu cases in China is due to RSV and HMPV, the common influenza viruses this season. The government is keeping a close watch on the situation and has asked WHO to provide periodic updates on the situation in China.

The government said that India has a strong surveillance system for The government influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) for influenza through ICMR and IDSP.

Data from both agencies show that there has been no unusual increase in ILI and SARI cases.

As a precaution, ICMR will increase the number of labs testing for HMPV and will monitor HMPV cases throughout the year.

What is HMPV virus?

 HMPV is an RNA virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms. It can cause cough or wheezing. There may be a runny nose or sore throat. Its risk is higher during cold weather.

 How does HMPV virus spread?

 HMPV virus spreads through coughing and sneezing. This virus spreads by coming in contact with an infected person. It can also spread by shaking hands with an infected person or touching any object infected with the virus. Its symptoms start appearing within 3 to 5 days after getting infected.

What are the symptoms of HMPV disease?

Its most common symptoms are cough and fever. In the beginning, its symptoms look like normal viral, but if the effect of the virus is more then there can be a risk of pneumonia and bronchitis.

 Is HMPV like coronavirus? Answer: HMPV virus (Paramyxoviridae Family) and Corona virus (Coronaviridae Family), both are part of different families. Despite this, many things are similar in them.

Respiratory Illness: Both viruses primarily affect the respiratory tract.

Transmission: Both viruses spread through breathing and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms: The symptoms of both viruses are similar. These include fever, cough, sore throat, wheezing and difficulty in breathing.

Vulnerable groups: Children, the elderly, and people with weak immunity are most at risk from both viruses.

Prevention: Keeping hands clean, wearing a mask and social distancing are important measures to prevent both viruses.

 Can this virus spread all over the world like Corona?

 This is not a new virus. Last year too, there were reports of its spread in China. In the year 2023, this virus was also detected in countries like Netherlands, Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada and America. According to the National Library of Medicine, it was first detected in the Netherlands in the year 2001. However, it is considered to be at least 50 years old virus.

So far no such variant of this virus has been seen, which spreads explosively like Corona.

 Is there any treatment or vaccine for this disease?

There is no antiviral drug developed for the HMPV virus yet. However, it has a very mild effect on most people. Therefore, its symptoms can be managed at home. People who develop severe symptoms are given oxygen therapy, IV drips and corticosteroids (a form of steroids).

No vaccine has been developed so far to deal with this virus. In fact, due to the HMPV virus, such conditions have not yet arisen that a vaccine needs to be made for it.

 Has WHO released any update regarding HMPV?

 No, the World Health Organization has not yet released any update regarding the HMPV virus spreading in China. However, China's neighboring countries have demanded the WHO to issue a correct update about this.