By Abidemi Samuel
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In a concerning development, India has reported its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with an 8-month-old baby testing positive in Bangalore.
According to News18, the child has no travel history, making this a significant discovery. The case has been conveyed to the Union Health Ministry, which is closely monitoring the situation.
The baby was admitted to a hospital in Bangalore due to a fever and underwent a blood test, which revealed the presence of the HMPV virus. This development has raised concerns about the potential spread of the virus, especially given the lack of travel history.
What is HMPV? Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that can cause disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
, The symptoms of HMPV typically appear three to 10 days after infection and include flu-like signs such as cough, blocked nose, runny nose, sore throat, and breathing difficulties.
Government Response The Indian government has taken swift action to address the situation. The Ministry of Health has issued advisories to several states, including Delhi, to mitigate the spread of the virus. The government has also enhanced the number of laboratories testing HMPV cases and is closely monitoring trends of the virus.
Precautions and Prevention
To prevent the spread of HMPV, the government has advised citizens to take precautions such as:
Washing hands frequently with soap and water- Covering the nose and mouth with a handkerchief while coughing or sneezing- Avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of the virus- Staying home if symptoms persist.
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