• Source:JND
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HMPV Virus Cases: Amid a surge in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, many other countries, including India, are preparing to tackle the new health challenge. The health officials of Delhi have instructed the hospitals in the state to stay alert. The officials in an advisory urged the hospitals to stay alert and have also released precautionary measures against such viruses.

Several necessary instructions were also given during a meeting of the health department on Sunday, headed by the Director General of Health Services, Dr Vandana Bagga. The crucial meeting was also attended by the Chief District Medical Officers and State Program Officer of IDSP. The advisory has instructed all the hospitals to immediately report the issues of influenza, and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) through the IHIP portal.

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The advisory has also mandated strict isolation protocols and the use of universal precautions for the suspicious cases. Besides, the hospitals are also instructed to provide oxygen, along with medicines like paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrup to the patients. Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), on Sunday stated that the virus is similar to any other respiratory virus that causes common cold and affects the functioning of multiple organs of our body.

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HMPV was discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands during the research work on viruses and their effect on human beings and other animals. The virus generally spreads through contact with infected individuals, including coughing and sneezing. The American Lung Association has also recognised that it can be the cause of acute respiratory infections, especially among children and aged people.

The primary symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, and sore throat. However, in several cases it leads to shortness of breath, pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma exacerbations. People having these symptoms were guided to get themselves checked for the confirmation.