Viruses

Zydus launches vaccine for protection against new strain of influenza virus

Zydus Lifesciences on Wednesday said it is introducing a vaccine for protection against new strain of influenza virus. The company is introducing country's first flu protection quadrivalent influenza virus vaccine as per WHO recommended composition, the Ahmedabad-based drug major said in a statement. Zydus's Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza vaccine VaxiFlu-4 will offer seasonal protection against four new virus strains, it added. A quadrivalent vaccine, by covering strains of both influenza A and influenza B, provides a broader protection and significantly reduces the risk of vaccine mismatch, it said. The vaccine has been cleared by the Central Drug Laboratory (CDL), the drug maker said. "Preventives are the key to public health in both the developing and the developed world and vaccines have the potential to improve the quality of life," Zydus Lifesciences Managing Director Sharvil Patel said. In India, there is a pressing need for access to affordable, high-quality vaccines

Global survey reveals low awareness of shingles among older Indians

Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus-the same virus responsible for chickenpox-is a painful disease that can lead to severe and long-lasting complications

Covid-like bat virus discovered by researchers at Wuhan lab in China

The study was led by Shi Zhengli, Chinese virologist from the controversial Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), where the Covid-19 was alleged to have emanated from

Tally of GBS fatalities in Pune climbs to 6 after death of 63-year-old man

The number of suspected Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) deaths in Maharashtra's Pune district has risen to six after a 63-year-old man died, a health official has said. The man was admitted to a hospital in the Sinhgad Road area after he complained of fever, loose motions and weakness in the lower limb and was diagnosed with GBS, the official said on Thursday. "His condition deteriorated on Wednesday and he died of acute ischemic stroke," the Pune Municipal Corporation health official said. He added that of the six deaths, five are suspected GBS deaths, while one is a confirmed fatality from the rare nerve disorder. With the detection of three new cases, the number of suspected GBS cases in Pune rose to 173, a Maharashtra health department release said. "Of these, 140 have been diagnosed with GBS. Of the 173, a total of 34 patients are from Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 87 from newly added villages in PMC area, 22 from Pimpri Chinchwad civic limits, 22 from rural parts of the .

Trump admin considers order to pause virus research linked to Covid-19

The Trump administration is drafting an executive order to temporarily halt federal funding for certain 'gain-of-function' virus research, although some pathogens, like H5N1, may be exempt from this

Pondy reports first case of HMPV, child fully recovers and discharged

A three-year-old child who had been undergoing treatment for Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in a private hospital for the past few days was discharged on Saturday. Director of Health for Puducherry, V Ravichandran, told PTI, "The child has fully recovered from the disease and was discharged on Saturday. The parents were given necessary instructions on the care and precautionary measures they should take for the child's health at home." He mentioned that this was the first case of HMPV in Puducherry. Ravichandran added that the centrally administered JIPMER was testing all HMPV cases according to the standard protocol and was equipped with the necessary testing kits. He further stated that the Puducherry government was taking steps to conduct testing at the state-run Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute in nearby Kadirkamam. "The territorial government is keeping a constant vigil on the situation, and necessary precautionary steps are being taken," he said. Meanwhile

9-month old tests positive for HMPV in Gujarat, cases rise to four in state

Gujarat has reported its fourth human metapneumovirus (HMPV) case, with a nine-month-old child contracting the infection in Ahmedabad, officials said Saturday. All the cases have been reported in less than a week. The baby boy was admitted to a private hospital in the city on January 6 with a cold, cough and difficulty in breathing. He has no history of foreign or other travel, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation said. On Friday, an eight-year-old boy from Sabarkantha district was confirmed to be infected with HMPV, making him the third case in the state. Two days back, an 80-year-old man tested positive for the viral infection in Ahmedabad. The patient, who has been suffering from asthma, is currently being treated at a private hospital. Gujarat recorded its first case of HMPV on January 6, when a two-month-old boy from Rajasthan was found to be afflicted with the viral disease, which has symptoms like fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough. He was discharged after being .

HMPV cases in India highlights: Mumbai reports first case, 6-month-old child tests positive

HMPV Cases in India updates: Catch all the major news updates on human metapneumovirus cases here

HMPV cases in India: Which age group is most affected? Check complete guide

Seven HMPV cases have been confirmed in India. The preventive measures include washing your hands, covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing and staying away from symptomatic individuals

HMPV outbreak in China: Do antibiotics work against human metapneumovirus?

Human metapneumovirus is spreading in China, and the world is closely monitoring the situation in the country. People are wondering about the effectiveness of antibiotics against HMPV

HMPV in India: Centre asks states to increase surveillance as cases rise

At least five cases of HMPV have been reported in India, all of them among children

HMPV outbreak: India reports 5 cases, govt says there's no need to panic

Health Min says current data shows no unusual surge in influenza-like respiratory illnesses

HMPV cases: Karnataka CM directs officials to take precautionary measures

With two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) detected in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said he has directed the health and medical education departments to take all the precautionary measures. "There is information on HMPV or China virus infection in Karnataka. I have instructed the health department to take precautionary measures, I have also spoken to Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. We -- Health and Medical Education departments -- will take all the precautionary measures to control it," Siddaramaiah said. Briefing reporters here, he said the infections have been detected in two children. "Though it is not a dangerous virus, precautionary measures need to be taken." "Whatever measures the health department suggests, the government will support all those measures." The Indian Council of Medical Research has detected two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, the Union health ministry earlier said on

HMPV poses great risk for children, can lead to severe illness

While HMPV may affect anyone with a weakened immune system, young children and people above the age of 65 are at higher risk

Delhi govt directs hospitals to stay prepared amid concerns over HMPV

Delhi government on Monday directed all the hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared to manage a potential surge in respiratory illnesses following the detection of two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. In a directive marked "Most Urgent", Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj instructed the health and family welfare department to closely monitor the situation, and remain in constant touch with the Union health ministry for timely updates. "Hospitals under the Delhi government must be fully equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, as advised by the Union health ministry," the directive issued by Bharadwaj said. The health secretary has been tasked with inspecting three government hospitals daily, beginning with the largest facilities, and submit detailed reports on several key parameters, including availability of medicines as per the essential drug list, ICU beds, and the operational status of PSA oxygen plants and radiologica

Two-month-old infant in Ahmedabad hospital tests positive for HMPV; stable

A two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad has been detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, an official said Monday. The infant, who hails from Dungarpur in Rajasthan, was admitted to the hospital, located in Chandkheda locality here, on December 24 with symptoms of respiratory infection. After tests, he was found positive for the HMPV, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's in-charge medical officer of health Bhavin Solanki said. "HMPV (infection) was detected in the patient on December 26, but we learnt about it today as the private hospital reported it to us late," Solanki said. The patient was kept in isolation, the official said. Earlier, the child was kept on a ventilator, and his condition is stable now, Solanki said. Before this, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens. The Union health ministry emphasised that HMPV is alre

HMPV alert: States intensify surveillance as 1st case surfaces in Bengaluru

Several states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Telangana, have issued health advisories to enhance preparedness for potential outbreaks of HMPV and other respiratory viruses

HMPV in India: 8-month-old baby suspected to be infected in Bengaluru

If the infection is confirmed, it would be the first reported case of HMPV in India

Delhi authorities issue guidelines to prevent HMPV virus outbreak

Delhi health authorities on Sunday issued an advisory to ensure preparedness for potential health challenges related to the Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) and other respiratory viruses. According to a statement, Dr Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services, convened a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state programme officer of IDSP on Sunday to discuss preparedness to address respiratory illnesses in Delhi. As part of the recommendations, hospitals have been instructed to promptly report Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases through the IHIP Portal. Strict isolation protocols and the use of universal precautions for suspected cases have been made mandatory. Hospitals are required to maintain proper documentation of SARI cases and lab-confirmed influenza cases to ensure accurate monitoring. They were directed to ensure the availability of paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrups for treating

No cause for alarm: Indian health officials on hMPV spread in China

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is also monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases, official sources told news agency ANI