Bengaluru, Karnataka, had two HMPV-positive newborns. This has raised concerns regarding virus propagation. In 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 triggered an outbreak worldwide.
Experts suspect HMPV is similar. Although fundamentally distinct, the two viruses share notable features that could harm public health.
Is HMPV similar to the COVID-19 virus?
Yes. If you get COVID-19, you get SARS-CoV-2. HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 share some traits:
Both viruses make the lungs sick for people of all ages. Young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems are most likely to be at risk.
The symptoms are also the same. The most common signs of HMPV are cough, fever, stuffy nose, and lack of breath. If someone has the COVID-19 virus, they will also have these signs.
Both viruses spread through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. They can also be spread by touching virus-infected surfaces and your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Science Direct says that COVID-19 seems sensitive to temperature and, consequently, seasonal. The US CDC said that HMPV also spreads at different times each year. HMPV can be found at any time of the year, but cases are most common in the US from late winter to early spring.
India takes action, has China reacted?
The Ministry of Health said it is monitoring the situation in China through all possible channels and has asked the World Health Organisation (WHO) to share timely information.
On Friday, Mao Ning, a China’s foreign ministry spokesman, told the press, “Respiratory infections tend to peak in the winter.”
The spokesperson said, “The diseases seem to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale than last year. I can promise you that the Chinese government cares about the health of both Chinese people and people from other countries who visit China. China is a safe place to visit.
