HMPV Advisory: Symptoms, Transmission and Crucial Preventive Measures - Dr Sanjith Saseedharan and Dr Farah Ingale
The recent Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China has sparked global and national concern, including in India. As of January 6, India reported three cases of HMPV: two in Karnataka, two in Tamil Nadu, and one in Gujarat.
With two additional cases identified in Maharashtra today, the total has risen to seven. In response, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) issued a public advisory to address myths and reduce panic surrounding the virus.
MoHFW has emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries.
Furthermore, based on current data from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country, thus there is no reason for dread or panic.
While international bodies and the national government continue to do their best to spread awareness and ramp up treatment facilities, the community must also be alert & cautious by keeping the following points in mind.
Dr Sanjith Saseedharan, Director of Critical Care at S.L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate, and Dr Farah Ingale, Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, have shared key preventive guidelines in light of the situation.
Symptoms
HMPV exhibits symptoms similar to other viral and respiratory infections. Be on the lookout for signs like cold, cough, fever, runny nose, difficulty in breathing and sore throat; seek medical help if these clinical signs are there.
Children below five years of age, individuals over 65 and those who are immunocompromised are especially vulnerable to it.
Transmission
HMPV primarily spreads through respiratory droplets of an infected individual, close personal contact, and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Key Preventive Measures
We need to follow guidelines that are being issued by the State and Central Health Departments. These guidelines are updates as the trajectory of the virus changes. For now, the general public has been advised to:
- Wear a mask in public places
- Avoid going to public spaces if symptomatic
- Cover mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing
- Limit contact with sick individuals
- Not reuse linen, tissues or handkerchiefs
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water
Union Health Ministry is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Health Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Health Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.
Dr Sanjith Saseedharan, MBBS, PG(Anesthesia) is a Consultant and Head Critical Care specialist at SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim. He is a teacher for the Indian Diploma in Critical Care Medicine for MBBS & Post Graduate students and MUHS Fellowship course in Critical Care Medicine, and Critical Care Nursing Programme. He has received an award for best innovation for his software application “iNutrimon” a nutrition support software for hospitalized patients.
Dr Farah Ingale (MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DFID(Dieb.), PHFI(Dieb.), MCard, and FICIC) is the Director (Internal Medicine) at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi having over 30 years of professional experience practicing in Hospital. Dr Farah Inagle is one of the most experienced doctor in her field. She believes in promoting health awareness and healthy lifestyle. She has published several papers regarding Diabetes, Renal disorders, ARF, Immunomodulation, Renal Sepsis, Kidney functions and metabolism. She has won the award of silver jubilee memorial prize for standing first in FMT.