2 HMPV cases in Bengaluru, 1 in Gujarat found

NEW DELHI, Jan 6: Three cases of respiratory distress-causing HMPV - two in Bengaluru and one in Ahmedabad - have been detected amid fears of the virus's spread, as China also recorded a surge in infections.

Following the two cases in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government issued an advisory, urging citizens to avoid going to public places if they're symptomatic and to wear masks in crowded areas to reduce the risk of transmission.

In Bengaluru, an eight-month-old boy and a three-month-old girl tested positive for the virus and did not have any history of international travel, authorities said.

In Ahmedabad, HMPV was found in a two-month-old child, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital and is stable. The infant's family, who belong to Rajasthan's Dungarpur, reached Ahmedabad for treatment.

The cases come amid reports of a rise in viral infections in China that have been linked to the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory pathogen that was first detected in 2001.

The Indian government, while urging people not to panic, has previously said that HMPV is not a new virus and has been in circulation globally and within the country.

The two HMPV cases detected in Bengaluru had a history of bronchopneumonia, a form of pneumonia. The three-month-old has already been discharged while the eight-month-old tested positive for the virus on Sunday and is recovering.

Bronchopneumonia, also known as bronchial pneumonia, is a type of pneumonia that involves inflammation of both the bronchi and the alveoli (the tiny air sacs) in the lungs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, sweating and chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the two HMPV cases in Bengaluru were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of the Indian Council of Medical Research's ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the eight-month-old baby boy is doing fine and would likely be discharged on Tuesday.

"This is an existing virus. It is not the first case. Certain category of people have respiratory problems due to the virus. The virus was first found in the Netherlands in 2001," Rao told reporters.

Urging people to "not press the panic button", he said the state government held a meeting with medical officers and told them to have further meetings with ICMR and the central government. "We don't know if this strain came from China. They had no history of international travel. They had come from Tirupati," he added.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, "The HMPV virus has been detected in two children. As soon as I became aware of this, I spoke to Dinesh Gundu Rao. He responded promptly, and any decisions he takes will be implemented. The government will take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of this disease."

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has issued an advisory, urging citizens to wear masks in crowded areas to reduce the risk of transmission.

Key Preventive Measures:

Cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing
Wash hands frequently with soap
Avoid public places if symptomatic
Do not reuse tissue papers or handkerchiefs
Avoid close contact with sick persons
Avoid sharing towels and linen
Minimise touching eyes, nose, and mouth
Avoid spitting in public places
Wearing masks in crowded areas can reduce the risk of transmission.

The government clarified that HMPV is not as transmissible as COVID-19, adding that most cases are mild and do not require hospitalisation.

A separate advisory has been issued for Karnataka schools. Circulars have been sent to parents, asking them to not send their children to school even if they have a mild cough, cold or sore throat.

Hospitals have been directed to maintain detailed records of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and lab-confirmed influenza cases to ensure accurate monitoring.

WHAT IS HMPV?

HMPV typically causes symptoms resembling a common cold, such as cough, wheezing, runny nose, or sore throat. However, in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, the virus can lead to severe respiratory complications, requiring prompt medical attention.

The HMPV, is usually detected in children under the age of 11. About 0.7 per cent of all flu samples are HMPV.

The Union Health Ministry said it was monitoring the situation in China, which is witnessing a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses, with HMPV emerging as a significant concern, through all available surveillance channels. Last month, Chinese authorities initiated a pilot monitoring system to track winter illnesses, including cases of pneumonia with unknown origins.

The Union Health Ministry said there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or SARI cases in the country, based on current data from the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network.

"ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures," the Union Health Ministry said.

"The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed," it added.

After Covid-19, HMPV Outbreak In China

BEIJING, Jan 3: China is witnessing a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, sparking concerns of another health crisis after COVID-19 pandemic. HMPV causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to severe respiratory issues, especially in children and vulnerable groups.

Reports and social media posts show overcrowded hospitals, with some users also suggesting the presence of multiple viruses such as HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and even COVID-19.

While some claim China has declared a state of emergency, there's no official confirmation.

HMPV causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to severe respiratory issues, especially among children and vulnerable groups.

HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections. It affects individuals across all age groups, with young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems being most vulnerable, according to CDC. It was first identified in 2001.

What are the symptoms of HMPV?

The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of flu and other respiratory infections. Common signs include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. In severe cases, the virus can lead to complications like bronchitis or pneumonia. The incubation period for HMPV is usually between three and six days, with symptoms lasting for varying durations depending on the severity of the infection.

HMPV spreads in ways similar to other respiratory viruses. Transmission occurs through:

Secretions from coughing and sneezing; Close personal contact, such as shaking hands or touching; and Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes

According to CDC, HMPV poses a higher risk to certain groups, including: Young children, Older adults, Individuals with weakened immune systems.

According to Cleveland Clinic, seek medical advice if:

You or your child show signs of a respiratory infection and have a pre-existing condition that could increase the risk of complications.

Symptoms persist or worsen after a few days, or if a fever lasts more than three days without improvement.

How to prevent HMPV?

Preventive measures for HMPV are similar to those for other respiratory illnesses. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching the face with unwashed hands.
Maintain distance from people showing signs of illness.
Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and toys.

What should those experiencing HMPV symptoms do?

For those experiencing symptoms of HMPV or a common cold, following simple hygiene practices can help prevent the virus from spreading.

Cover the mouth and nose: When sneezing or coughing, use a tissue to prevent spreading droplets.
Wash hands regularly: Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can minimise the risk of transmission.
Avoid sharing personal items: Don't share utensils, cups or other personal items to reduce the chances of infecting others.
Stay at home: If you're feeling unwell, it's best to stay home and rest to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Is there a treatment or vaccine for HMPV?

As of now, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Medical care for those infected is supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications.

How does HMPV compare to COVID-19?

HMPV and COVID-19 share many similarities, in that they both cause respiratory issues such as coughing, fever, congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath, and both spread through respiratory droplets, according to WebMD.

Severe cases can require hospitalisation. HMPV typically peaks during winter and spring, unlike COVID-19, which can spread year-round due to evolving variants.

Studies suggest HMPV cases tripled in some regions after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The drop in exposure to viruses during lockdowns likely weakened immunity, causing a surge in respiratory infections once precautions were relaxed.

Does Your Body Contain 'Elixir' To Extend Life? New Research Reveals Way To Slow Down Ageing

BEIJING, Jan 2: In a pioneering study published in the journal Nature, Chinese scientists have identified a naturally produced bile, lithocholic acid (LCA), which has anti-ageing effects similar to those achieved through calorie restriction. LCA, produced by the liver, was found to enhance muscle regeneration, improve grip strength, and increase running capacity in genetically modified mice with human tissues.

Previous studies had demonstrated that mammals accumulate LCA during calorie restriction, activating a key molecule involved in metabolism called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

According to study, AMPK is known to play a critical role in regulating processes such as inflammation and nerve degeneration, which are associated with ageing.

The experiments using fruit flies and a nematode called C elegans were also conducted in support of this finding. They are not supposed to produce LCA naturally, and the treatment of these animals with LCA led to results that are associated with calorie restriction.

According to a report by South China Morning Post, the results indicated that the researchers were able to transmit the signalling effects of LCA once administered. LCA increased the mean lifespan of nematodes from 22 to 27 days, while in flies, it extended male lifespan from 47 to 52 days and that of females from 52 to 56 days.

Lead author Lin Shengcai, a metabolic biologist at Xiamen University, said the team was exploring the potential application of LCA pills for humans in trials.

"We will address the challenges and complexities to explore how it can be applied to humans of different ages with various health conditions, such as pregnancy, and determine the appropriate dosage," Lin said.

"People have long sought an elixir for longevity. LCA is one possibility, as it represents one molecule in the blood of people practising calorie restriction and activates AMPK, which in turn further induces metabolite changes in the blood."

This breakthrough discovery opened new avenues into research in the ageing and diseases of ageing, although further research is required for confirmation of these effects of LCA in human beings.

Promisingly, the findings thus open new horizons into potentially developing new therapeutic strategies for the promotion of healthy ageing.

Covid mRNA Vaccines Contributing To Deaths, Doctors Call For Suspension

LONDON, Dec 10: Doctors and healthcare professionals across the world have signed a petition calling for the immediate suspension of all COVID-19 mRNA products due to concerns that the vaccines may be contributing to an alarming rise in excess deaths.

"A growing body of evidence suggests that the widespread rollout of the novel Covid-19 mRNA vaccine products is contributing to an alarming rise in disability and excess deaths," reads the Hope Accord petition.

The petition, known as the HOPE Accord, has attracted signatures from several healthcare professionals and highlights the need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of the vaccines.

The vaccines use "gene-based technology" and were given emergency medical authorisation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This new technology was granted emergency use authorisation to address a situation that no longer exists. Going forward, the burden of proof falls on those still advocating for these products to compellingly demonstrate that they aren't resulting in net harm. Until such evidence is presented, regulators should suspend their use as a matter of standard medical precaution," the petition mentions.

It demands full transparency from government bodies and the pharmaceutical industry, including access to previously undisclosed anonymised patient-level data from clinical trials and surveillance programs.

It also highlights the need to mitigate publication bias, where unfavourable results are often rejected or withheld due to fears of reputational damage.

Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a British Indian Consultant Cardiologist, has written an open letter to the General Medical Council (GMC) of the UK, stating that the vaccines cause greater harm than benefit.

"Serious harms from the vaccine have been confirmed from a combination of clinical, mechanistic, randomised controlled trials, observational, pharmacovigilance, and autopsy data. In these studies, the majority of deaths that occurred within two weeks of taking the vaccine died as a result of the mRNA product," he writes.

According to the petition, calls for independent investigations should be properly resourced to allow a comprehensive re-evaluation of all COVID-19 vaccine products.

"There must be a full exploration of mechanisms of harm to provide insight into their impact on the human body, both short and long term", the petition states.

It also urges for a comprehensive review of the actual clinical impact on illness and mortality, rather than relying on synthetic results based on modeled assumptions.