Almost reminiscent of some past viral outbreaks, India is now facing a spike in the cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory pathogen raising concerns across the country. Although this is not a new virus, its recent spurt has caused vigilance, and in certain areas, the discussion of possibly reinstating lockdown measures.
The HMPV was first identified in 2001. It causes respiratory infections ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to extreme conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets during coughing or sneezing, direct contact, and touching contaminated surfaces, prompting its rapid propagation amongst the densely populated areas of India.
Reports from various parts of the country have shown a marked increase in hospital admissions for respiratory reasons, with some hospitals being flooded with patients in Delhi and other major cities. This whole situation harkens back to early COVID-19 days, when the hashtag #Lockdown started trending as people recalled the strict measures once followed.
Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi state officials have already started ramping up surveillance and issuing guidelines that closely resemble the COVID era as cases keep rising. These recommendations include wearing masks, respecting social distancing protocols, and growing sanitary awareness such as hand hygiene. HMPV does not have a specific vaccine, and efforts have been directed towards alleviating symptoms and, at the same time, preventing transmission utilizing the public health tools already in place.
Healthcare System Strained as HMPV Cases Rise
“The Indian Medical Research Council (ICMR) has disseminated the total count of individuals diagnosed with HMPV infection in the country, which has crossed five cases, thereby confirming that the virus is already circulating in India along with the rest of the globe.” “And such emergency preparedness has been made by the health authorities, who have no reason to panic yet.”
Despite the panic, researchers have pointed out that, as opposed to new viruses like the SARS-CoV-2 strain, HMPV is known and seasonal: As the weather has turned winter and seems to be associated with most respiratory illnesses peaking, the increase can be noted. Many observers of the happenings have already started calling the phenomenon a really bad flu season instead of a major health catastrophe.
Health situations in different countries change every day; for instance, China, where the first increase of HMPV cases was recorded. Currently, there is a declining trend in the number of infections, which raises hope for a similar event in India. However, the health officials in China have claimed that there is no new infectious disease in the country, with the contribution of the increase in respiratory ailments being due to other known pathogens such as influenza and HMPV.
Indeed, monitoring, hospital preparedness, and awareness on preventive measures are responses to the new health challenge India faces. The strategy put forward by the government is to effectively contain the present outbreak without even resorting to the strict lockdown measures adopted in the past.
Indian Government Press Release – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2090780
Everyone is advised to be informed and continue to follow health guidance, to get medical help when symptoms of severe respiratory illness appear, especially if they belong to high at-risk categories. This would help contain the spread while having daily life as normal as possible within these boundaries.
Hence, the current scenario reflects on the continued necessity of having robust public health systems for responding to respiratory infections as part of India’s annual health troubles.
