HMPV Guidelines in India: These States has Issued the Health Advisory for Human Metapneumovirus Cases

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Karnataka. Both cases were found at the Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru.

The first is a female infant, three months old, and the second is a male infant, eight months old. 

India Records Its First Case of HMPV

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, both cases were found by routine surveillance for many respiratory virus infections as part of ICMR's continuous efforts to track respiratory disorders nationwide.

India is well-equipped to handle respiratory infections, according to the Union Health Ministry, which also stated that surveillance systems show no significant increase in instances.

Guidelines Issued by the Central Government

Hospitals in the nation's capital have been directed to use the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP) to report instances of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and Influenza-like Illness (ILI). To guarantee accurate surveillance, they must also keep accurate records of SARI and lab-confirmed influenza cases.

All suspected cases are now required to follow stringent isolation measures and take universal precautions. Along with a sufficient supply of oxygen, it is important to guarantee the availability of cough syrups, bronchodilators, paracetamol, and antihistamines.

Delhi Govt. Issues Orders

Following the discovery of three HMPV cases in the nation, the Delhi government ordered all hospitals in the Capital to be ready to handle a possible spike in respiratory diseases.

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj gave the health and family welfare department a "Most Urgent" direction, directing them to keep a close eye on the situation and communicate with the Union health ministry on a regular basis to provide timely reports.

According to Bharadwaj's directive, hospitals run by the Delhi government must be completely prepared to manage any possible rise in respiratory infections, as recommended by the Union health ministry. 

Karnataka Discovers Two Cases of HMPV Virus

Following the discovery of two HMPV cases in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that he has instructed the medical education and health authorities to take all necessary precautions.

"There are reports of China virus or HMPV infections in Karnataka. In addition to speaking with Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, I have directed the health department to take preventative action," stated Siddaramaiah. He further assured reporters in Bengaluru that the departments of Health and Medical Education would take all necessary precautions to keep it under control.

Despite the fact that it is not a harmful virus, care must be taken. He went on to say that the government will back any actions recommended by the health department. 

Precautions in Gujarat After First Case of HMPV Virus

Following the discovery of HMPV in Ahmedabad in a two-month-old boy, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel urged people to remain calm and stated that the state government had taken steps to combat the virus.

According to Patel, the state's Health and Family Welfare Department is prepared to combat this viral virus and is on high alert. "As part of the precautionary measures, the health department held a meeting on January 4 and instructed every chief district health officer, civil surgeon, superintendents of sub-district hospitals in the state to pay full attention to matters related to the infection of this virus," according to him.

He stated that plans will be put in place for HMPV diagnosis in a number of government facilities. 

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Maharashtra Government Issues Guidelines of Do’s and Don’t’s

According to the Maharashtra health department, there haven't been any HMPV cases found in the state. Nonetheless, the health department sent out an advisory requesting that the district administration maintain watch while increasing monitoring of patients who have coughed and colds.

The state health agency has issued a dos and don'ts for citizens in its advice.

The list of things to do:

• When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper or a handkerchief.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap, water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• If someone is coughing, sneezing, or has a fever, avoid public settings.
• Eat a healthy diet and drink lots of water.
• To lower infection, keep all spaces properly ventilated.

The list of things not to do:

Avoid shaking hands, reusing tissues and handkerchiefs, being near ill people, touching your mouth, nose, or eyes a lot, spitting in public, and taking medications without a doctor's prescription.

What is HMPV Virus?

In humans, HMPV generates symptoms that resemble the common cold. The most susceptible groups to metapneumovirus include children, sex-dependent adults (and older), and those with compromised immune systems. According to reports, the majority of HMPV instances are moderate, and most occurrences occur before the age of five. 

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