People Need Not Panic Over HMPV As No Infection Detected In Odisha: Health Minister

Bhubaneswar: After detection of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in some states, the Odisha government on Tuesday advised the people not to panic saying no one has so far been infected with the virus in the state.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the department is fully prepared to deal with any situation following the detection of some HMPV cases elsewhere in the country. “There is no need for people to get scared as no one has been affected by HMPV infection in the state so far,” he told reporters.

The guidelines and standard operating procedure issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to curb the infection will be strictly adhere to in the state, Mahaling said, adding that the situation is not very serious in India as HMPV cases have been detected in three to four places in the country so far.

Stating that he has already spoken with all the medical colleges in the state on the matter, the Minister said special teams of doctors are fully prepared for the treatment of the infection. Any situation arising out of HMPV will be jointly handled by the state and the Centre, he said.

The Minister urged people to go for immediate treatment if they suffer from cough, cold or fever. The government is also fully ready for sample tests though the situation caused by HMPV infection is not alarming in the state at present, Mahaling said.

The Health Department held a meeting at the Loka Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar earlier in the day after multiple HMPV cases were detected in India.

The meeting was attended by the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, Director of Public Health and other officials of the Department.

Public Health Director Dr Nilakantha Mishra said the health department is ready to face the challenges due to HMPV and there is no need to panic as the virus is not new.

So far, the infection has not been seen in people with international travel history, he said, adding guidelines have been issued in states where cases have been reported.

Mishra said tests are being carried out at AIIMS to detect the virus, while the NCDC is constantly monitoring the situation round-the-clock.

“If necessary, testing centres will be increased. However, the situation is not grave for now even if the country has reported the HMPV cases. This is a seasonal virus, no need to be scared,” the senior health official said.

HMPV is a common respiratory virus that causes an upper respiratory infection like a cold in people of all ages particularly during the winter and early spring seasons. The respiratory virus recently gained attention after its outbreak in China.

Notably, the Union Health Ministry has assured the public about the virus, confirming no rise in cases in India.

Following surge in HMPV cases in China, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava today chaired a meeting with States/UTs in a virtual mode on Monday to review the present situation of respiratory illnesses in India.