<p>Chennai: Two patients – one from Chennai and another from Salem – in Tamil Nadu have been tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and both are “stable” and are being monitored, the state government said on Monday. </p><p>Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Supriya Sahu said there was no significant surge in common respiratory viral pathogens that had been detected in Tamil Nadu. She added that the government remains committed and is continuously monitoring the Influenza Like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) closely.</p>.Explained | What is HMPV, how is it different from Covid-19?.<p>Sahu said HMPV is not a new virus and it is an already circulating one that was first identified in 2001. “HMPV infections are self-limiting and resolve with symptomatic care, including adequate hydration and rest. The treatment for HMPV is symptomatic and supportive,” she said. </p><p>The prevention of HMPV is similar to any other respiratory infection such as covering mouth and nose while sneezing/coughing, washing hands, wearing masks in crowded places and reporting to the health facility, if need arises, Sahu said, adding that the public should be reassured that HMPV is typically self-limiting and manageable. </p><p>Former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation, Soumya Swaminathan, said HMPV is nothing to panic about and it is a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild. </p><p>“Rather than jump at detection of every pathogen, we should all take normal precautions when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash hands, avoid crowds, and consult a doctor in case of severe symptoms,” she said. </p>
<p>Chennai: Two patients – one from Chennai and another from Salem – in Tamil Nadu have been tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and both are “stable” and are being monitored, the state government said on Monday. </p><p>Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Supriya Sahu said there was no significant surge in common respiratory viral pathogens that had been detected in Tamil Nadu. She added that the government remains committed and is continuously monitoring the Influenza Like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) closely.</p>.Explained | What is HMPV, how is it different from Covid-19?.<p>Sahu said HMPV is not a new virus and it is an already circulating one that was first identified in 2001. “HMPV infections are self-limiting and resolve with symptomatic care, including adequate hydration and rest. The treatment for HMPV is symptomatic and supportive,” she said. </p><p>The prevention of HMPV is similar to any other respiratory infection such as covering mouth and nose while sneezing/coughing, washing hands, wearing masks in crowded places and reporting to the health facility, if need arises, Sahu said, adding that the public should be reassured that HMPV is typically self-limiting and manageable. </p><p>Former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation, Soumya Swaminathan, said HMPV is nothing to panic about and it is a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild. </p><p>“Rather than jump at detection of every pathogen, we should all take normal precautions when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash hands, avoid crowds, and consult a doctor in case of severe symptoms,” she said. </p>
