Two senior citizens with HMPV in Jaipur are now stable
The condition of two senior citizens who tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Jaipur is now stable. In a statement given by the hospital authorities on Thursday, a man and a woman admitted to Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh Hospital tested positive for HMPV. Both individuals have multiple health conditions but are now stable and recovering after treatment.
Sharing the details, Deepak Maheshwari, principal, Sawai Man Singh Medical College, said, "There are two patients, aged 70 and 50, both with existing health conditions. Their conditions are currently stable, and they are being housed in separate wards. They exhibit symptoms such as cold, cough, fever, and flu-like signs. Given our ongoing precautions since the Covid pandemic, patients should wear masks and practice social distancing."
Previously, with increasing worries about HMPV, Haryana's Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao reassured citizens that the state was ready to manage the situation and emphasized that there was no cause for alarm. He said, "We are prepared. All districts have been notified to stay vigilant. I urge people not to panic. Although this virus can spread, it is not harmful and can be treated."
He also encouraged individuals to maintain their fitness during the winter months. "As it's currently winter, the likelihood of pneumonia cases increases. Therefore, I urge everyone to undergo sputum testing if they exhibit any symptoms," he said.
They should continue practicing hand hygiene, just as we did during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) observed an increase in acute respiratory infections, including HMPV, in the Northern Hemisphere on January 9, stating that the infection rate is consistent with usual seasonal trends.
A few days ago, Union Health Minister JP Nadda also informed the public about the misunderstandings surrounding the HPMV Virus. He said, "Health experts have clarified that #HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months. On recent reports, the cases of HMPV in China, the Health Ministry, the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control are keeping a close watch on the situation in China and the neighbouring countries."