"As far as
Tamil Nadu is concerned, we have two cases. These two cases are stable, and as
it has already been clarified, the virus is an old one. It is already a
circulating virus and has been there since 2001," Sahu said.
She highlighted
that the seasonal surge in such viral infections is routine and not a cause for
alarm.
"The only thing that we are telling is that we need to be vigilant. Those
who have severe lung infections need to kind of get the treatment. These are
the people who should immediately access, but it's a viral infection," she
advised.
Describing the
symptoms, Sahu mentioned that the viral infection typically presents with common
signs like cold and cough, which should be treated normally.
Two
cases of HMPV have been reported in Tamil Nadu, one from Chennai and another
from Salem. The state health department said there was no significant surge in
common respiratory viral pathogens that have been detected in Tamil Nadu.
"HMPV is not new. It is an already circulating virus that was first
identified in 2001. HMPV infections are
self-limiting and resolve with symptomatic care, including adequate hydration
and rest," the department said.