Viral footage from China raises red flags: Could HMPV be spreading to India?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus commonly linked to seasonal illnesses. The Chinese government has implemented increased screening measures to control the spread of HMPV, as social media videos from hospitals show crowded waiting areas and patients wearing masks. This has led to concerns about a new health crisis, but health authorities in China and other countries, including India, have reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm.
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What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms similar to a cold, including coughing, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In some cases, it can cause more severe issues such as pneumonia and bronchitis, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. HMPV belongs to the same Pneumoviridae family as the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which is another common respiratory illness. HMPV infections tend to peak during the winter and early spring, with a typical incubation period of three to six days.
Also Read: HMPV virus in China FAQs: Symptoms, treatment, diagnosis and everything else you should know
The Current Outbreak in China
According to Chinese authorities, there has been a noticeable increase in HMPV
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