HMPV: Kerala health minister advises elderly, pregnant women to wear masks

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated on Saturday that there is no need worry about the virus reported widely in China, which causes viral fever and pneumonia.

The minister advised that pregnant women, the elderly, and those with serious illnesses should wear masks. In light of the reports of a significant outbreak of viral fever and pneumonia in China, there are certain precautions that need to be taken.

Since infections, including the human metapneumovirus, are likely to affect infants and the elderly, they, along with people with other serious diseases and those undergoing palliative treatment, should exercise extra caution, the minister said.

Children should not be sent to school when they are ill. Those with respiratory symptoms should definitely use masks. At present, there is no cause for concern. "We are monitoring the situation in China. If we detect an infection that could spread to other areas, we can control it very quickly," she said.

"There have been no reports of any viruses being detected in China as of now that are likely to be contagious or spread very quickly to other regions. However, since Malayale are present in all parts of the world and expatriates are coming to our country from many parts of the world, including China, we have to be cautious," the minister said.

The minister stated that according to available information, there are three types of viruses that can cause respiratory infections in a way that spreads fear in China. They are human metapneumovirus (HMPV), some variants of COVID-19, and influenza A virus infections. There have been no reports of genetic mutations occurring in any of these cases that could have turned into a pandemic . However, there is no room for complacency.

The minister mentioned that among the three types of viruses, the human metapneumovirus is relatively unknown. Although the virus was only detected in 2001, it is believed to have spread to almost all parts of the world, including Kerala, particularly among children, over the last many years. "The common cold we experienced earlier could have been caused by this virus. HMPV cannot be seen as a dangerous new virus," she said.

In Kerala, infections with this virus have been reported in children, and in some cases, pneumonia. Institutions such as the Institute of Advanced Virology, the Institute of Vi, and the State Public Health Lab have systems to detect this disease. HMPV is less likely to create a situation of panic if no significant genetic mutations have occurred in the virus.

However, respiratory diseases found in our country, especially among children and the elderly, need to be closely monitored. This is what we are doing right now. Additionally, people coming from other countries, including China, will be monitored separately if respiratory symptoms appear. However, there is currently no need for any special restrictions for expatriates.