The recent spread of a new virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), in China has sparked global concerns, with reports of increasing cases among children under 14. However, Indian health experts and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have dismissed the possibility of a widespread disruption. This is due to previous knowledge about HMPV and its similarity to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory pathogen. While HMPV may be a trigger for asthma in infants, it is not as deadly as Covid-19 and there is no reason for alarm yet.
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): An Overview
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and airways. It is a common cause of respiratory infections, particularly in young children and infants. HMPV was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001 and has since been detected in many countries around the world.
Symptoms and Transmission
HMPV infection can cause a range of symptoms, including:
HMPV is spread through close contact with an infected person or by touching objects contaminated with the virus.
Risk Factors
Children under 14 years old are at highest risk for severe HMPV infection. Other risk factors include:
Treatment and Prevention
There is no specific treatment for HMPV infection. Symptoms are typically treated with supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and pain relievers. Antiviral medications may be prescribed for severe cases.
There is no vaccine to prevent HMPV infection. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure, including:
Recent Outbreak in China
In November 2022, there was an outbreak of HMPV in China. The outbreak primarily affected children under 14 years old, and there were a number of severe cases. However, Indian health experts and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have dismissed the possibility of a widespread disruption in India. This is because HMPV is a known virus and its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory pathogens, such as RSV.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is HMPV? HMPV is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and airways.
2. How is HMPV spread? HMPV is spread through close contact with an infected person or by touching objects contaminated with the virus.
3. Who is at risk for severe HMPV infection? Children under 14 years old are at highest risk for severe HMPV infection. Other risk factors include premature birth, congenital heart disease, and chronic lung conditions.
4. How is HMPV treated? There is no specific treatment for HMPV infection. Symptoms are typically treated with supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and pain relievers. Antiviral medications may be prescribed for severe cases.
5. Is there a vaccine to prevent HMPV infection? There is no vaccine to prevent HMPV infection. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure, including washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying home from school or work if you are sick.
WHO has released its first-ever global guideline on managing sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy, highlighting the dangers faced by women and their babies. SCD is an inherited blood disorder with potentially fatal consequences, and the health risks intensify during pregnancy. The new guideline aims to improve outcomes for pregnant women with SCD and calls for more investment in evidence-based treatments and disease awareness. With SCD on the rise globally, increasing numbers of maternity care providers need to be equipped to handle its challenges.
On Thursday, March 19 at 5:01 a.m. ET, the vernal equinox or the first day of spring will take place in the Northern Hemisphere. This marks the beginning of the season of longer days and warmer weather as the sun's rays fall directly on the equator. Despite popular belief, day and night are not exactly the same length on the equinox due to atmospheric refraction. The summer and winter solstices and the autumnal equinox also have significant impacts on the Earth's tilt and the length of daylight hours.
A new, inexpensive Arduino-based logger has been developed for accurately mapping the depths of water bodies. By using budget-friendly hardware such as a GPS module and an SD card, combined with a standard NMEA capable echolot sounder, this device is accessible and practical for scientists, recreational enthusiasts, and more. With the added use of Python and matplotlib, users can now easily transform the collected data into detailed depth maps, revealing vital information about water levels and shallow spots in various environments.
After a 28-hour journey through space, Group Captain Shukla has become the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS). Accompanied by three other astronauts from the Axiom-4 mission, the ISS is now hosting a total of 11 people. Shukla was welcomed with hugs by the astronauts already stationed at the ISS and presented with the astronaut number 634. As the pilot of the mission, Shukla was given a number ahead of his fellow rookie astronauts and was offered a liquid diet to refresh himself before exploring the six-bedroom facility in space.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully docked with the International Space Station on the Axiom Mission 4. This marks a proud milestone in Indian space history, as Shukla becomes the first Indian to reach the ISS. The docking process involved intricate procedures, and upon arrival, Shukla and his crew were welcomed with warm hugs and will conduct various experiments during their 14-day mission on the ISS.
After a 28-hour journey, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts were welcomed onto the International Space Station (ISS) by the expedition team. Shukla expressed his gratitude and excitement for the 14-day mission, where they will conduct scientific experiments and interact with people on Earth. He also shared his amazement at the view and the warm welcome he received from the ISS crew.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has been launched to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The spacecraft is currently en route to the ISS and is expected to dock with the Harmony module on June 26. The mission, led by Peggy Whitson, will last for two weeks and include scientific research, outreach activities, and commercial projects. Shubhanshu Shukla is joined by mission specialists from ESA and HUNOR. Get to know all about this historic mission carrying an Indian astronaut to space after 40 years.
After multiple delays, the Axiom-4 mission has finally launched with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla onboard for an important space mission. The spacecraft, carrying Shukla as the pilot along with three other astronauts, will dock at the International Space Station in a few hours. This joint mission between India, Poland, and Hungary marks a significant step in international human spaceflight collaborations and showcases India's ambitions in global space exploration. Shukla's journey not only symbolizes India's return to human spaceflight but also propels the country's human space program to new heights.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a native of Lucknow, is commanding the Axiom-4 Mission to the International Space Station, breaking barriers for India in space exploration. As his family watches the live broadcast of the historic event, they express their pride and excitement for Shukla's role as a key member of the international crew. Along with Commander Peggy Whitson, Shukla and the team will carry out groundbreaking research and outreach during their 14-day mission.
The successful launch of the Axiom Mission 4, carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US, has sparked celebrations across the country. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian astronaut on board, has received wishes and cheers from prominent leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The mission is expected to lead to new frontiers in scientific studies and space exploration, showcasing the enduring partnership between NASA and ISRO.