No need for panic, HMPV not as transmissible as Covid: Karnataka govt
Bengaluru, Jan 6: Following the detection of two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the state, the Karnataka government on Monday urged people not to panic as the virus is not as transmissible as Covid-19.
Emphasising that the respiratory virus primarily affects children, causing infections similar to the common cold, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) said in a release that hospitals have been instructed to report influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases.
To prevent escalation of the spread of the virus, people are advised to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap, avoid public places if symptomatic and close contact with sick persons.
The advisory also advised people not to reuse tissue papers or handkerchiefs, share towels and linen and avoid spitting in public places.
According to DME, HMPV causes flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, close personal contact, and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes, it said.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms with supportive care like rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for pain, fever, and congestion. Severe cases might require hospitalisation for oxygen therapy or IV fluids, it added.
ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ 8 ತಿಂಗಳ ಮಗು ಹ್ಯೂಮನ್ ಮೆಟಾಪ್ನ್ಯೂಮೋ ವೈರಸ್ (ಎಚ್ಎಂಪಿವಿ) ಸೋಂಕಿಗೆ ಒಳಗಾಗಿರುವ ವರದಿಗಳಿವೆ. ಆದರೆ, ಇದು ಹೊಸ ವೈರಸ್ ಅಲ್ಲ. ಮಗು ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸ್ಥಿರವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಆತಂಕ ಪಡುವ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ.
— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) January 6, 2025
2001ರಿಂದ ಎಚ್ಎಂಪಿವಿ ವೈರಾಣು ಕಾಣಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಈ ಕುರಿತು ಗಾಬರಿಯಾಗುವ ಅವಶ್ಯಕತೆಯಿಲ್ಲ. ಆದರೂ, ಮುನ್ನೆಚ್ಚರಿಕೆಯಾಗಿ… pic.twitter.com/8EH7KNObV6
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Unjustified, says Russia on US pressure on India for buying Russian crude oil
New Delhi, (PTI): The US pressure on India for its procurement of Russian crude oil is "unjustified", a senior Russian diplomat said on Wednesday.
We are confident that India-Russia energy cooperation will continue notwithstanding the external pressure, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said.
It is a "challenging" situation for India, he said at a media briefing and added that, we have "trust" in our ties with New Delhi.
In the context of Western punitive measures against Russia, Babushkin said the sanctions are hitting those who are imposing them.
To a question, he said the role of BRICS as a stabilising force will increase amid the ongoing global turbulence.
His remarks came against the backdrop of strain in India's ties with the US following President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent that included an additional penalty of 25 percent for purchasing Russian crude oil.
US President Trump this month issued an executive order slapping an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods as a penalty for New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil.
Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics.
India turned to purchasing Russian oil sold at a discount after Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and shunned its supplies over its invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022.
Consequently, from a mere 1.7 percent share in total oil imports in 2019-20, Russia's share increased to 35.1 percent in 2024-25, and it is now the biggest oil supplier to India.
