Amid concerns surrounding the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus, WHO official Margaret Harris, said that the rise observed in the number of common respiratory infections, is ‘common’ during winter an
Amid concerns surrounding the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus, WHO official Margaret Harris, said that the rise observed in the number of common respiratory infections, is ‘common’ during winter and spring. On Monday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public, saying that there is no cause for alarm. He emphasised that the virus, first identified in 2001, poses no new threat. HMPV is a virus that has been associated with respiratory illnesses. The country has reported so far eight cases of HMPV: Karnataka (2), Gujarat (1), Tamil Nadu (2), Maharashtra’s Nagpur (2), and Mumbai (1). All the cases were detected in young children ranging from 3 months old to 13 years old.
HMPV Virus in India: The cost of HMPV testing in India starts at Rs…, is it more than a coronavirus test?
Speaking of testing, HMPV diagnosis requires advanced tools like the BioFire panel, capable of detecting multiple pathogens, including HMPV. According to media reports, the cost of an HMPV RT-PCR test ranges between Rs 3,000 and Rs 8,000 at leading laboratories such as Dr Lal PathLabs, Tata 1mg Labs, and Max Healthcare Labs. Comprehensive tests that screen for HMPV along with other respiratory pathogens can cost up to Rs 20,000. Testing samples typically include nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, and tracheal aspirates.
Several states, including Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar, have advised people not to panic. Meanwhile, Mizoram has established a committee to monitor the spread of HMPV. HMPV, first identified in 2001, is a respiratory RNA virus that is most active during colder months. It primarily targets the respiratory system, particularly in young children and elderly individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of HMPV
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
Bronchitis and pneumonia are both lung issues that cause coughing, fever, breathing problems, etc.
Currently, there are no specific antiviral medications for HMPV. Mild cases typically recover with home care, while severe symptoms may necessitate hospitalization. Treatment options include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and corticosteroids to address respiratory complications.
In comparison, the cost of a COVID-19 RT-PCR test in India is significantly lower, typically ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, depending on the location and testing center. This makes HMPV testing notably more expensive than COVID-19 testing, especially for advanced or comprehensive panels.
If you visit the official website of Dr. Lal PathLabs, you’ll find that the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR test is priced at Rs 500.
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