In response to the emerging threat of the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) virus, the Haryana Health Department has issued an alert across the state. Haryana’s Health Minister, Arti Rao, stated that the government is fully prepared for the situation, and measures are being taken to ensure safety.
The department has instructed all government and private hospitals to keep their RT-PCR labs fully staffed. District Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) have been directed to ensure that patients exhibiting symptoms of HMPV be tested and treated in dedicated flu wards. Additionally, isolation and flu wards are being established in all health centers to handle any related cases.
Dr. Deepak, Deputy Civil Surgeon of Rewari Civil Hospital, clarified that while HMPV is not as dangerous as COVID-19, extra caution is needed, especially for children under five years old and elderly individuals over 60.
In neighboring Punjab, the health department has recommended that vulnerable groups, including children and seniors, wear masks in public to prevent the spread of the virus. The state’s Health Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, assured that the health department is fully prepared to combat any situation. He emphasized that this virus is not new nor life-threatening, though individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma should avoid public places. Dr. Singh also stated that medical treatment will be provided free of charge to all affected.
Himachal Pradesh has also raised awareness about HMPV. Health Minister Colonel Dhaniram Shandil assured citizens that there is no need to panic, as the virus does not pose a significant threat. The health department is closely monitoring the situation, and the virus is not considered a “virus of concern” like COVID-19.
Chandigarh’s PGI (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) has also advised residents to be cautious. Dr. Sanjay Jain, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at PGI, explained that the virus is a respiratory pathogen that spreads during the winter months and typically causes symptoms like cough, fever, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms. Although it can affect people of all ages, it is particularly concerning for young children and the elderly. However, he reassured the public that there has been no surge in flu-like cases or hospitalizations at PGI so far.
The virus has been detected in other parts of the country as well. Recently, nine cases have been reported, including a 6-month-old baby found to be infected at Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai. Earlier, two children, aged 13 and 7, tested positive for the virus in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The cases in Nagpur were identified after the children, suffering from cold and fever, tested positive in private labs. Other states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Gujarat, have also reported cases, most of which involve children.
To minimize the risk, experts recommend frequent handwashing and wearing masks, especially in crowded areas, as preventive measures against the HMPV virus.
As of now, there have been no reported cases of HMPV in Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, or Chandigarh, but health authorities remain vigilant and continue to monitor the situation closely.
