Increased surveillance at airport and railway station, deployment of medical teams

Increasing risk of human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
The outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection is increasing rapidly not only in India but in many countries around the world. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong are also taking proactive measures to combat the virus. HMPV infection can affect people of all age groups. Its symptoms are similar to Covid-19, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.

Health vigilance increased in Jharkhand

Health Minister of Jharkhand Dr. Ansari have said that people between 5 and 70 years of age are susceptible to HMPV. He has directed officials to increase surveillance at railway stations, airports, and other public places and deploy medical teams to investigate possible cases.

Special preparations in Haryana

Health Minister of Haryana Aarti Singh Rao said on Tuesday that an advisory has been issued to civil surgeons to increase vigilance against HMPV infection in the state.

• No case of HMPV has been reported in Haryana so far.
• The State Health Department has intensified preparations at its level for prevention and monitoring of respiratory diseases.

Vigilance regarding HMPV in Maharashtra

Pune district administration in Maharashtra has re-evaluated the health facilities already in place to deal with HMPV infection.

• Pune Collector said that after the experience of Covid-19 pandemic, the health systems of the state have become stronger.
• Adequate health services are available in government hospitals.

Special strategy of Mizoram government

The Mizoram government has constituted a special committee to control the spread of HMPV and assess the situation.

• Health Minister Lalrinpui At the state and district level in the meeting chaired by rapid response teams was formed.
• In the meeting, state health officials analyzed the situation and discussed possible measures.

Central government activism

After the confirmation of some cases of HMPV infection in India, the Central Government has directed all the states and union territories to increase surveillance.

• Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava Held a virtual meeting with health officials of states and union territories.
• In the drawing room ILI (Influenza Like Illness) And SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) Emphasis was laid on increasing surveillance and measures to prevent the spread of infection.

Role of ICMR and IDSP

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) And Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) Keeping a close watch on HMPV cases.

• Following the surge in HMPV cases in China and five confirmed cases in India, these institutions have set up elaborate surveillance systems to track the spread of the virus.
• Experts have given suggestions for prevention and management of the virus.

Situation till now in India

• HMPV cases: Five cases have been confirmed in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.
• Concern due to infection: Symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of COVID-19, making it challenging to diagnose.
• prevention efforts: Surveillance of passengers has been increased at airports and railway stations.

government advice

The Central Government has advised the states to run prevention and awareness campaigns of HMPV infection. Apart from this, emphasis has been laid on wearing masks in public places, hand hygiene, and exercising caution in crowded areas.