8-month-old diagnosed with HMPV Virus in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: An 8-month-old infant in Bengaluru has been confirmed to have contracted the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). However, health authorities have assured that there is no need for panic.
HMPV is common in India, but it remains unclear if this case is linked to the mutated variant detected in China. The infant, with no travel history, was admitted to a private hospital for fever, where tests confirmed the presence of the virus.
Authorities are collecting data to assess if similar cases are present in other parts of the state. The Director of Health Services, Dr Atul Goel, recently stated that there is no significant increase in respiratory cases as per December 2024 data.
HMPV, first identified in 2001, is known to cause respiratory illnesses, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems. While there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, precautionary measures like isolating symptomatic individuals and practising good hygiene can help curb its spread.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is monitoring respiratory cases across the country in collaboration with international agencies.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
