Maha govt sets up task force after two HMPV cases in Nagpur
Mumbai, Jan 7 (IANS) – Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were detected in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Tuesday. Officials confirmed that both patients, a 13-year-old girl and a 7-year-old girl, were in stable condition after testing positive for the virus.
The children had exhibited symptoms such as fever and cough. After two days of continuous fever, they underwent tests at a private laboratory and were found to have contracted the virus. Both were treated at home and did not require hospitalization. Their condition is stable.
In response, the Maharashtra government has set up a task force, led by Dr. Pallavi Saple, Dean of JJ Hospital, to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) and determine the next steps in dealing with the virus.
“The girls had cough and fever, and their samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for analysis, as their symptoms were slightly different. However, both recovered without needing hospitalization,” said sources.
Dr. Avinash Gawande, Superintendent of Government Medical and Hospital in Nagpur, reassured the public, saying, “Parents don’t need to worry; this virus is not like COVID-19. It is mild, but it is advisable for children to wear masks.”
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar convened an urgent meeting to discuss the HMPV virus. Union Minister of State for Health, Prataprao Jadhav, is expected to attend the meeting, and the minister urged citizens not to panic.
Rajiv Nivatkar, the medical education commissioner, held a virtual meeting with the deans of government medical colleges to assess their readiness to handle HMPV cases and brief them on necessary measures.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has raised its alert level, establishing special wards for HMPV patients.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reassured the public on Monday, stating, “There is no reason to fear the HMPV virus. It is not new and was prevalent earlier as well. It appears to be making a comeback. Regulations on this matter will be announced soon, and the Union Health Ministry will keep states informed. Only official information should be shared.”
The state health department issued an advisory urging district administrations to closely monitor cold and cough symptoms and increase surveillance for respiratory infections.
Health Department Director Dr. Nitin Ambadekar explained that HMPV, a common respiratory virus first detected in the Netherlands in 2001, typically causes infections in the upper respiratory tract and is seasonal, occurring during winter and early summer, similar to the flu. While there was no increase in respiratory infections in Maharashtra in December 2024 compared to 2023, citizens are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves from respiratory infections. The department has also released a list of dos and don’ts for the public to follow.
