HMPV outbreak: Meetings held to review preparations

Srinagar, Jan 07: The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has held a series of high-level meetings to review the preparations for any eventuality given the detection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country, senior health officials said.
A senior official said that over the past few days, several high-level meetings have been held, including the fresh meeting on Tuesday evening, in which preparations and functionality of the healthcare system of Jammu and Kashmir was reviewed.
“There is nothing to worry about. Meetings have been held to take review of the oxygen plants in hospitals as a precautionary measure. This includes the directions to ensure the functionality of all oxygen generation plants and lifts,” the official said.
However, as per senior government officials, there is no reason for any worry on this account since as per the Government of India and the World Health Organization (WHO) this is an old virus and is very low in transmission rates and infectivity besides having a very limited rate of morbidity and mortality.
The J&K health department is also planning to conduct a mock drill exercise in the coming to days to check the preparedness as a precautionary measure for any possible eventuality.
Amid concerns over the HMPV cases in China, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm.
Officials said HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, typically causing mild cold-like symptoms, with flu-like symptoms in very young or elderly individuals.
The J&K Health Department is in touch with the Union Health Ministry, World Health Organization (WHO), and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for any updates.
As the HMPV cases surfaced in the country, officials of the J&K health department said they will make sure that whatever the eventuality happens (if any), the department will be fully ready and geared up to meet any challenges thrown besides that they are alert.
An official revealed that the Health Ministry is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. “ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures.”
The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed.
Doctors at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura have termed the HMPV a mild community infection and advised people to avoid crowded places and maintain hygiene as a precautionary measure.
Dr Syed Mudasir Qadri, Additional Professor Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, SKIMS said since the COVID-19 pandemic people have been frightened.
“We don’t need to worry, but at the same time, we must remain cautious. The HMPV virus has been present in the community for a long time, with the first case documented in 2021. It is a part of community infections and typically causes mild illness,” he said.
Regarding the two HMPV cases detected in Bangalore, Qadri emphasized the importance of being cautious and adhering to basic hand hygiene measures, which are crucial.
“We should avoid visiting crowded areas, especially hospitals. People should also limit the number of attendants accompanying patients to hospitals,” he said.
Public health experts have advised the public to follow standard precautions for respiratory infections, including avoiding contact with others if experiencing cough or cold symptoms.