The Delhi government has issued an advisory to bolster the health system’s preparedness following the detection of two Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) cases in Karnataka, and the first case in India involving an eight-month-old infant from Bengaluru. The advisory, released on Sunday, outlines measures to ensure the city is ready for a potential surge in respiratory illnesses.
HMPV, first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands, is a leading cause of acute respiratory infections. The government emphasized that there has been no significant increase in respiratory problems in Delhi as of January 2, based on reports from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
As part of the preparedness plan, hospitals in Delhi have been instructed to report cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) through the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP). The authorities have also mandated strict isolation protocols for suspected cases and highlighted the need for adequate supplies of essential medications, including paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and oxygen.
The advisory further stressed the importance of maintaining proper documentation of SARI and confirmed influenza cases to ensure effective monitoring and response.
HMPV symptoms can range from mild to severe, including cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In some cases, a rash may also develop. The disease has garnered attention recently due to reports of overwhelmed hospitals in China due to a surge in respiratory illnesses, including HMPV.
Despite these concerns, the Indian government reassured the public that the situation is under control and emphasized that India is well-equipped to handle any potential outbreaks.
