Mumbai, Jan 6 (NationPress) The state health department has confirmed that there have been no instances of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) identified in Maharashtra. Nevertheless, the health department has released an advisory, instructing district authorities to maintain vigilance and boost monitoring of patients exhibiting symptoms of cold and cough.
According to Dr Nitin Ambadekar, the Director of the Health Department, human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is responsible for respiratory infections. This virus was initially discovered in the Netherlands in 2001 and is recognized as a common respiratory virus that impacts the upper respiratory tract. It typically presents as a seasonal epidemic during winter and early summer, similar to influenza. To date, there have been no reported cases of HMPV in the state.
In light of the potential risk posed by HMPV, the Health Department has conducted an analysis of respiratory infection statistics within the state. The data indicates that there was no rise in respiratory infections throughout December 2024 compared to the previous year, 2023. As a precautionary step, the Health Department has advised citizens to implement measures to safeguard themselves against respiratory infections. The state health department has provided a list of dos and don’ts for the public.
The recommended dos include:
Covering the mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Washing hands regularly with soap, water, or alcohol-based sanitizer.
Avoiding crowded places if experiencing fever, cough, or sneezing.
Staying hydrated and consuming a balanced diet.
Ensuring proper ventilation in all spaces to minimize infection risks.
The list of don'ts includes:
Refraining from handshakes, reusing tissue paper or handkerchiefs, close contact with ill individuals, frequently touching the face, spitting in public areas, and taking medications without a doctor's prescription.
“There is no cause for alarm regarding the ongoing HMPV outbreak in China. Necessary precautions are being put in place, and there is no need to instill a sense of unwarranted fear. Given this situation, health department officials have been instructed to enhance surveillance in their respective jurisdictions and provide regular reports on patients with cold and cough,” stated Dr Ambadekar.
This advisory from the health department follows the identification of two HMPV cases by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Karnataka. The Health Ministry reported that these cases were discovered through routine surveillance for various respiratory viral pathogens. This monitoring is part of ICMR’s ongoing initiative to track respiratory illnesses nationwide.
(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)
