Health department assures preparedness as seven HMPV cases detected nationwide ahead of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Bhubaneswar: In response to the detection of seven cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) across India, the Odisha government has announced special arrangements for NRIs attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Health Camps and Emergency Preparedness for NRI Guests
“We have made separate arrangements for NRIs and instructed both private and government hospitals to remain prepared for any emergency,” said Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling after an emergency meeting on Tuesday.
While HMPV cases have been confirmed in three to four locations nationwide, Odisha has not reported any cases. Mahaling reassured the public, stating, “The health department is fully prepared to tackle the virus, with adequate hospital beds available across medical facilities.”
To ensure the safety of attendees, the state has set up a health camp at Janata Maidan, the venue for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, for screening and treatment. Medical colleges and hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have been instructed to follow central guidelines for managing HMPV cases.
Expert Advice and Surveillance Measures
Director of Public Health Nilakantha Mishra explained that HMPV is a seasonal virus and emphasized that the state is well-equipped to handle the situation. Testing facilities at AIIMS Bhubaneswar are operational, and the National Centre for Disease Control is monitoring developments.
Union Health Secretary held a high-level review meeting, instructing states and Union Territories to strengthen preventive awareness and enhance surveillance of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).
Precautionary Steps Recommended
Medical experts have urged residents to adopt precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. “People with comorbidities should remain vigilant. Symptoms like prolonged fever, cough, breathing difficulty, fatigue, and congestion warrant immediate testing,” advised Dr. P. N. Sahoo, a medicine specialist.
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