Page 2 - Viruses

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

China downplays reports of new virus HPMV outbreak, says safe to travel

China on Friday played down reports of a massive outbreak of flu in the country overwhelming hospitals, saying that cases of the respiratory diseases which occur during the winter were less severe this year compared to last year. The Foreign Ministry here said it is safe for foreigners to travel to China. Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the media here in response to a question on the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases in China. Videos circulating on social media show overcrowded hospitals. "The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year," she said. I can assure you the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China," she said. She also referred to guidelines issued by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of Chin

Covid-like virus | All about HMPV virus and its symptons

The recent buzz about rising infections in China, especially about a virus called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has caused many to panic.

New study claims Mpox clade la has evolved to spread from human to human

Investigation of the Clade la strain of the virus circulation in Central Africa shows genetic mutations indicative of sustained human-to-human spread

US spots first H5N1 bird flu case in a pig, raising concern for humans

The infection was confirmed in a pig kept on a backyard farm in Crook County, Oregon, the US Department of Agriculture said Wednesday

Marburg virus outbreak: What is this infection? Should India be concerned?

Like Ebola, the Marburg virus is also a contagious illness. At least six people have passed away in Rwanda's first-ever outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus. The virus was first identified in 1967

Amid mpox scare, Centre steps up screening efforts: How to detect infection

Mpox scare: The Centre has advised states and union territories to screen and test all suspected cases. Officials have been asked to set up isolation facilities for patients

Chandipura virus outbreak in India: The worst in 20 years

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current Chandipura virus (CHPV) outbreak in India as the largest in two decades. Watch the video to know more.

Explained: What is Oropouche virus? Know the symptoms, origin and more

Oropouche Virus was first identified in 1955 in a 24-year-old forest worker on Trinidad's island. The virus is named after a nearby village and wetlands

New research shows how viruses work where antibiotics fail against bacteria

Viruses called bacteriophages, or phages, target bacteria but can't infect humans or other higher organisms

Mpox reaches Thailand; deadly Clade 1b variant found in 6 nations: Updates

Mpox infection updates: There are two viral strains of mpox: Clade 1b and Clade 2. The Clade 1b variant of the mpox infection is more deadly and is responsible for more than 500 deaths in Congo

Mpox reaches Pak-occupied Kashmir, total 4 cases; India on alert. Updates

Mpox outbreak: In view of the outbreak, the Centre has directed airport, ports and border authorities to remain vigilant and ensure strict scanning to detect any mpox infection at the earliest

Risk of surge in Mpox cases very low in India at present: Official sources

The risk for an upsurge of Mpox, once known as monkeypox, infection is very low in India at the moment and there is no need to panic, sources in the health ministry said in the wake of WHO declaring the disease a public health emergency of international concern. Official sources said the last case of monkeypox in India was reported from Kerala in March this year. According to official data, 30 laboratory confirmed cases of monkeypox since 2022 have been reported in India since 2022. The health ministry might write to points of entry such as airports, seaports to be alert and vigilant and deal with suspected cases of monkeypox as per the guidelines in terms of isolation and treatment, an official source told PTI. "At the moment, the risk of a surge in monkeypox infection is very low in India and there is no need to panic," the official source said. Union Health Minister J P Nadda is likely to hold a meeting with officials from the ministry, NCDC and ICMR on Saturday. On Wednesday

Monkeypox outbreak: Causes, symptoms, and cases outside Africa

The director-general of World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared that the spread of monkeypox or mpox in Africa is a global health emergency.