"Fully prepared; so far, no case reported in Punjab": Health Minister Balbir Singh on HMPV

Patiala (Punjab) [India], January 8 (ANI): Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh on Wednesday reassured the public that there is no need to panic over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), saying that it is not the coronavirus but a common virus with mild symptoms such as fever, cough, and cold.
In a video statement, Singh said that no cases have been reported in Punjab yet, and the state is closely following the guidelines issued by the Government of India.
"We are fully prepared. I would like to assure the people that this is not the coronavirus, but just a common flu virus. There is no major risk involved. It will cause symptoms like fever, cough, cold, etc., but these will subside on their own. There's no need to panic. So far, there has been no case reported in Punjab," he said.
"We are in touch with the Government of India, and all guidelines are being followed. Children and the elderly should take extra precautions. Those who are unwell should make sure to wear a mask when going outside," Balbir Singh added.
Notably, five cases of HMPV have been reported in the country, with two cases in Bengaluru, one in Ahmedabad, and two suspected cases in Nagpur.
Dr Pinaki R Debnath, HoD, Pediatric Surgery, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital told ANI on Tuesday that the HMPV existed earlier and it erupted now because of some reasons like cold.
"Human Metapneumovirus is not a new virus, it is an old virus. It existed earlier too. It erupted right now because of some reasons like cold. This happens in cold. This is a respiratory RNA virus; it infects the respiratory system...A viral infection spreads more when immunity is lowered or among the extremes of age. Those above 60-65 years of age or those below five years of age have a low body immunity. If the body's immunity is low, virus spread is more. That is why, it can be seen among children," he said.
"Its symptoms include respiratory infection - like nasal blockage, runny nose, red eyes, and scratchy throat. If it is severe, there will be pneumonia-like symptoms, when there is respiratory distress. Otherwise, there will be normal symptoms like cold and cough...Its impact stays for 2-7 days and it gets cured automatically within that period. There is no anti-viral drug for it. So, how we can prevent it - mask up if you are going to a crowded area, if there is someone who is already infected maintain distance from them and do not shake hands with them, wash your hands and observe cough/sneezing etiquette. This will help prevent it," Dr R Debnath said. (ANI)