Srinagar, Jan 08: Following the detection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country, J&K Health and Medical Education Department will conduct a mock drill exercise in hospitals tomorrow to assess health preparedness for any possible eventuality.
A senior official said over the past many days the department has conducted a series of meetings to review the preparations for any eventuality given the detection of HMPV.
“We will conduct a mock drill exercise on January 09 across hospitals in the UT to check the readiness as a precautionary measure. We will check the oxygen plants in health facilities and make sure these are functional to handle any possible eventuality,” he said.
The mock drill will involve key health professionals, district administration officials, and emergency response teams to test the efficiency of the existing healthcare infrastructure.
“Special focus will be placed on assessing the oxygen, availability of medical supplies, diagnostic tools, and readiness of healthcare facilities to manage things,” they said.
During a high-level meeting held on Tuesday, Directors of Health Services Kashmir/Jammu, Chief Medical Officers, and Medical Superintendents of hospitals across J&K have been asked to ensure that oxygen generation plants are functional properly.
“We have been directed to make oxygen generation plants fully functional and make non-functional oxygen facilities functional in any manner,” said an official.
Government officials said there is no cause for concern in this regard, as both the Government of India and the World Health Organization (WHO) have stated that this is an old virus with low transmission and infectivity rates, as well as minimal morbidity and mortality rates.
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.
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.
HMPV is one of the many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages, particularly during the winter and early spring months. The virus infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most cases recover on their own.
Dr Syed Mudasir Qadri, Additional Professor Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, SKIMS advised people that there is no 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.
“We should avoid visiting crowded areas, particularly hospitals, and limit the number of attendants accompanying patients,” Qadri said.
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.
On Jan 04, the Union Health Ministry held a meeting urging people to remain calm and assured that India is prepared to handle respiratory illnesses.
The Ministry has confirmed the detection of HMPV cases in India while assuring the public that the virus is not new to the country and poses no unusual threat. The ministry added that HMPV has been in circulation since its identification in 2001. The Ministry has advised states to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance adding that an increase in respiratory illnesses is usually seen during the winter months.
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