Amid the surge in China, seven cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in Bengaluru, India. The first reported cases of HMPV in India were an eight-month-old who is recovering in the hospital and a three-month-old who has been discharged. Later, a two-month-old also tested positive in Ahmedabad. Currently, China is witnessing an HMPV outbreak.

While India has confirmed five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) – two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat – the government of India and health experts have been emphasisng that there is no need to panic as the it is not a new pathogen, adding that regular flu shots or even the three Covid vaccine doses makes one immune to this infection.

State Advisory Against HMPV

India’s Union health ministry confirmed three Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, including infants in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, with no recent travel histories. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely, issuing precautionary guidelines similar to Covid-19. Gujarat reassures the public, while Maharashtra emphasizes vigilance and safety measures. Delhi hospitals are alerted for potential respiratory illness increases linked to HMPV.

Symptoms of HMPV

Coughing, fever, nasal blockage, difficulty breathing, and a painful throat are some signs of HMPV. These symptoms typically appear three to six days following your exposure to the virus. Serious illness caused by HMPV might necessitate hospitalization.

How is HMPV transmitted?

HMPV is transmitted via direct contact with an infected individual. Contacting infected surfaces, coughing, sneezing, and handshaking can transmit the virus.

If symptoms intensify, an individual may experience a serious cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In these instances, it is essential to obtain medical help without delay.

How to differentiate between common cold and HMPV

HMPV typically leads to symptoms akin to the common cold, though some people may become quite ill. Individuals infected with HMPV for the first time have a higher likelihood of falling seriously ill. Symptoms are less severe if you experience a subsequent HMPV infection.

Tips to prevent HMPV:

You can lower the chances of contracting HMPV and additional respiratory diseases by following these measures:

Clean your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or utilize an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Shield your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Think about using a mask and steer clear of individuals who are unwell.

Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.

Isolate yourself if you are feeling unwell.

People with existing lung conditions need to be particularly careful and should adhere to all safety measures.

Hyderabad, Jan 7: Tollywood actor Allu Arjun on Tuesday visited KIMS Hospital, Secunderabad to meet the eight-year-old boy who was injured in the stampede during the premier show of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ at Sandhya Theatre last month.

Amid tight security by the police, the actor reached the hospital in the morning and spent about half an hour.

He was accompanied by Telangana State Film Development Corporation Chairman Dil Raju. The actor enquired from doctors about the condition of SriTej, met his father and assured him of all support.

Allu Arjun had planned to visit the hospital on January 5 after reporting at Chikkadpally Police Station as per the condition laid down by a city court while granting him regular bail. However, he had to drop his plans after Ramgopalpet Police Station issued a notice to him advising him to reconsider his visit. The police had advised Allu Arjun to maintain his confidentiality to prevent any gathering of public/media at the premises which could disturb the peaceful environs of the hospital.

The actor was warned that in case of a lack of cooperation from his side, he would be held solely responsible for any negative consequences of his visit to the hospital.

The police on January 6 issued another notice to him to keep his visit confidential so that public order could be maintained in and around the hospital. The police also offered to make necessary arrangements for his visit.

A woman, Revathi was killed and her son Sri Tej was critically injured in the stampede at the theatre on December 4 during the premier show attended by Allu Arjun.

The police had claimed that Allu Arjun visited the theatre without permission and conducted a ‘roadshow’ which led to the tragedy. Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13 in the case. He was granted interim bail by the High Court the same day.

Nampally Court last week granted the actor regular bail. The court directed him to cooperate with the investigation and report to the concerned police station every Sunday.

The actor had come under criticism from various quarters for not consoling the family of the deceased or visiting the injured boy at the hospital. The actor’s father and producer Allu Arvind visited the hospital twice. During his last visit on December 25, he presented a cheque of Rs 2 crore to the victim’s family. While Allu Arjun has given Rs 1 crore, Mythri Movies, the producers of the movie have extended assistance of Rs 50 lakh. The film’s director Sukumar has also given Rs 50 lakh to the family.

New Delhi, Jan 7: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce the election schedule for the 70-member Delhi Assembly on Tuesday.

The ECI in a media invite said, “Press Conference by Election Commission of India to announce the schedule for General Election to Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi at 2 pm.”

The press conference will be held in the Plenary Hall of the Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital.

The term of the current Delhi Assembly ends on February 23, and the whole election process has to end before that.

On Monday, the ECI released a newly revised voter list for Delhi. According to the latest figures, Delhi’s voter base has grown significantly over the past two months. In October 2024, the total number of voters stood at 1,53,57,529. However, after a summary revision, this number has risen to 1,55,24,858, an addition of 1,67,329 new electorates by December 2024. The Commission has cautioned against the submission of false and fabricated documents for getting new voter ID.

The ruling AAP has fielded candidates for all 70 seats. The party was the first to declare candidates for all seats. The party chief and former Delhi CM, Arvind Kejriwal is again fighting from the New Delhi seat.

Chief Minister Atishi is contesting the Kalkaji seat The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released the first list of 29 candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections, fielding former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers Kailash Gahlot from Bijwasan and Raj Kumar Anand from Patel Nagar, and former Delhi Congress chief Arvind Singh Lovely from Gandhi Nagar. The party has pitted former Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma’s son Pravesh Sahib Singh Verma in the New Delhi seat from where Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal is contesting. Former South Delhi member of Parliament (MP) Ramesh Bidhuri is fighting against Chief Minister Atishi in Kalkaji.

The Congress has announced 48 candidates and its further lists are awaited. Sandeep Dikshit, the son of Delhi’s former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, will contest the 2025 Assembly elections from the New Delhi seat. Dikshit, a two-time Parliamentarian, will take on Arvind Kejriwal, who defeated Sheila Dikshit from this seat in 2013 and 2015. Congress announced Alka Lamba as their candidate from Kalkaji.