HMPV cases: Delhi Govt puts health officials on alert

In the wake of reported cases regarding the Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV), the Delhi Government on Monday directed the Health and Family Welfare Department officials to complete arrangements to tackle any rise in respiratory illness.Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj instructed officials to carefully track trends and to be in touch with the Union Health Ministry for timely updates about the preparedness in the capital. The minister directed Secretary (Health) to physically visit three Delhi Government hospitals daily starting with the largest ones and to submit a daily report to him.

Some cases of HMPV were reported in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Bharadwaj in his communication said, “It is important that the hospitals of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi should be well equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illness as per the advice of the Union Health Ministry.”

“No need to delay action, bring issues to me immediately over phone if directives needed.” Bharadwaj said.

Meanwhile, on Sunday the Health officials in Delhi had issued guidelines to address potential health risks associated with HMPV and other respiratory ailments.

The announcement came following a meeting of health officials led by Dr Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services.

The advisory instructs hospitals to closely monitor and report cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.

Standard safety measures, including the isolation of suspected cases, have also been advised.

The guidelines further direct hospitals to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines, including paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, cough syrups, and oxygen supplies, to manage mild cases.

The steps come in response to reports of increasing respiratory illnesses in China.

“As of January 2, 2025, data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) show no significant surge in respiratory cases in India,” their statement read.