Mumbai: As concerns rise over the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) following a surge in cases in China, Maharashtra’s health minister Prakash Abitkar announced on Monday that a high-level meeting of senior health department officials would be convened on Tuesday to assess the situation.
Speaking in Kolhapur, the minister reassured the public that there was no need to panic despite growing messages about the virus on social media. “There is no clarity on how the virus spreads at this stage. However, to prevent a potential outbreak in Maharashtra, we will hold discussions and issue appropriate guidelines,” he said.
The upcoming meeting will address the preparedness measures, including an assessment of hospitals, staff, medicines, and beds, should HMPV cases emerge in the state.
Closer home, on Monday, the BMC clarified that no cases of HMPV have been detected in Mumbai.
Nonetheless, the civic body has requested citizens to take basic precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
“There is no need for unnecessary panic. Not a single case of HMPV infection has been found in Mumbai,” the BMC stated.
The announcement follows statements by the state’s public health department only a day earlier, stating they analysed respiratory infection data and found no significant increase in cases in Dec 2024 compared with the previous year.
The BMC has recommended that citizens cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap or sanitiser, and avoid public places if experiencing certain symptoms such as fever, cough, or sneezing.
Meanwhile, the Union health ministry has reported two HMPV cases in Karnataka, identified through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Officials described the virus as common and similar to other respiratory viruses, typically causing mild cold-like symptoms.
“The health ministries at both the central and state levels are efficient at tackling such situations, which they have proven time and again. There is no reason to fear. Clarity on the situation will emerge in a day or two. Do not panic over viral social media messages,” Abitkar said.
Doctors TOI had spoken to earlier said that HMPV has been around for a long time and typically causes mild or no symptoms. However, diagnosis is uncommon as testing costs between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000, and is generally conducted only in cases of severe illness.
Mumbai: As concerns rise over the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) following a surge in cases in China, Maharashtra’s health minister Prakash Abitkar announced on Monday that a high-level meeting of senior health department officials would be convened on Tuesday to assess the situation.
Speaking in Kolhapur, the minister reassured the public that there was no need to panic despite growing messages about the virus on social media. “There is no clarity on how the virus spreads at this stage. However, to prevent a potential outbreak in Maharashtra, we will hold discussions and issue appropriate guidelines,” he said.
The upcoming meeting will address the preparedness measures, including an assessment of hospitals, staff, medicines, and beds, should HMPV cases emerge in the state.
Closer home, on Monday, the BMC clarified that no cases of HMPV have been detected in Mumbai.
Nonetheless, the civic body has requested citizens to take basic precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
“There is no need for unnecessary panic. Not a single case of HMPV infection has been found in Mumbai,” the BMC stated.
The announcement follows statements by the state’s public health department only a day earlier, stating they analysed respiratory infection data and found no significant increase in cases in Dec 2024 compared with the previous year.
The BMC has recommended that citizens cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap or sanitiser, and avoid public places if experiencing certain symptoms such as fever, cough, or sneezing.
Meanwhile, the Union health ministry has reported two HMPV cases in Karnataka, identified through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Officials described the virus as common and similar to other respiratory viruses, typically causing mild cold-like symptoms.
“The health ministries at both the central and state levels are efficient at tackling such situations, which they have proven time and again. There is no reason to fear. Clarity on the situation will emerge in a day or two. Do not panic over viral social media messages,” Abitkar said.
Doctors TOI had spoken to earlier said that HMPV has been around for a long time and typically causes mild or no symptoms. However, diagnosis is uncommon as testing costs between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000, and is generally conducted only in cases of severe illness.