Health officials told to ensure adequate oxygen beds, equipment to treat HMPV patients

In anticipation of a potential outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), the Director-General (Health Services) has issued an advisory instructing health authorities statewide to ensure that adequate oxygen beds, equipment (including oxygen cylinders and concentrators) and trained personnel are available in designated health facilities, such as flu corners, where patients with cold-like symptoms are screened and treated.

According to the advisory, health facility in-charges must ensure the availability of medicines, PPE, N-95 masks and reagent kits. The district authorities have also been directed to enhance public awareness regarding respiratory and hand hygiene, encourage early reporting of symptoms and limit contact with individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses. “Only serious cases requiring hospitalisation will undergo sampling (nasopharyngeal swab), which will be sent to the PGIMS, Rohtak. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, pregnant women and children are at the risk of catching serious infections that could require hospitalisation,” the advisory states.

Meanwhile, Dr HK Aggarwal, Vice-Chancellor of Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences (UHS), Rohtak, while interacting with the media here today, informed that an isolation ward at the PGIMS had been designated for HMPV-infected patients. He noted that no cases had been reported so far, but all necessary arrangements were in place for treatment.

“The HMPV is a common virus that typically emerges in winter, so there is no need for panic. Most HMPV infections resolve within two to five days with rest and medication for pain and respiratory symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for the HMPV infection,” he said.

He said that the HMPV spread from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, close personal contact (such as touching or shaking hands) as well as touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes. Regarding preventive measures, Dr Aggarwal advised the public to frequently sanitise or wash hands with soap and water, avoid close contact with sick individuals, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wear a face mask if symptomatic, and regularly clean frequently touched surfaces.