New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: After 5 cases of HMPV were detected on Monday itself, several states have issued advisories.
Two cases were detected in Karnataka by the ICMR through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens and as many later in Chennai. One more case was detected in Ahmedabad.
While experts have urged people not to panic, the Health Ministry has also assured that situation in India is under control. “The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation,” Union Health Minister, JP Nadda, said in a video message.
#WATCH | Union Health Minister JP Nadda says, “Health experts have clarified that #HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons… pic.twitter.com/h1SSshe2iQ
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025
No case detected in Odisha
No case of the virus has been detected in Odisha so far. “We are fully prepared. We are awaiting guidelines from the Centre. No case of #HMPV virus has been reported in Odisha yet. As per reports, virus has been detected in two children. They have no foreign visit history. The HMPV was first discovered in 2001. We have intensified surveillance. Avoid coming in contact with those having cold-like symptoms like cough,” says Public Health Director, Nilakantha Mishra
Delhi hospitals on high alert
The Delhi government has asked hospitals to stay on high alert. It has labelled the situation as ‘Most Urgent.’ Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has also emphasized the importance of tracking trends in respiratory illnesses. It has listed out some measures as well. The measures are:
1) Daily inspections of major hospitals by the health secretary to ensure preparedness.
2)) Availability of essential medications, ICU beds, and operational oxygen plants.
3) Proper data management at OPD and IPD counters.
Karnataka govt asked not to fret over virus spread
The Karnataka government has reassured citizens that there was no reason to panic. It stated that HMPV was not as transmissible as COVID-19. Hospitals have been asked to report cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI).
Maharashtra has stepped up vigil
The state health department has advised to step up surveillance. It will also release precautionary guidelines for citizens.
Alert for the vulnerable in Kerala, min urges people to mask-up
Kerala Health Minister Veena George urged people, especially pregnant women, children, and senior citizens, to take extra precautions, in a post on Facebook. She urged them to wear masks to avoid infections.
“We are monitoring the situation in China. If an outbreak is detected that has the potential to spread to other areas, we can check its spread very quickly,” she added.
Follow these to check virus spread:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands frequently with soap or sanitizers.
- Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet.
- Ensure proper ventilation in rooms.
Avoid these following points:
- Avoid handshakes and close contact with sick individuals.
- Don’t reuse tissue papers or handkerchiefs.
- Do not frequently touch your face with unclean hands.
- Avoid spitting in public spaces.
- Do not self-medicate.
Know the positive cases
In Bengaluru, a three-month-old female infant and an eight-month-old male infant, both with a history of bronchopneumonia, tested positive for the virus. The former has been discharged, while the latter is still recovering in the hospital. Both didn’t have a travel history.
In Ahmedabad, a two-month-old boy from Rajasthan was diagnosed with HMPV at a private hospital. The child was initially on a ventilator. He is reportedly stable now.
According to the reports, a 5-month old baby in Kolkata has also tested positive for HMPV infection.
