The Delhi government has asked its agencies to step up vigil regarding possible HMPV and other respiratory illnesses. The decision had come after two positive cases of HMPV were reported in the state of Karnataka recently; one of them was an eight-month-old baby who had not travelled internationally in the last 10 days.
The Secretary of DR Medical, Dr Vandana Bagga, conducted a core grouping meeting with the CDACs, the Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme-cum-State Programme Officer and other important officials of the state. All the hospitals in Delhi have been ordered to notify all ILI and SARI via the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP). Also, they should keep track of SARI as well as lab-confirmed Influenza so that the monitoring and response could be improved.
The advisory insists on rigorous containment measures with general protective precautions, where needed for suspected cases. Hospitals have been told to ensure there is sufficient stock of first-line drugs such as paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, cough syrups, and oxygen for severe patients.
The Delhi government wished to point out to the citizens that, up to January 2, there is no severe flare-up of respiratory diseases in the city. This assessment is supported by data derived from the IDSP, NCDC and WHO.
HMPV, which causes cough, high fever, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat, has lately been on the news due to cases of respiratory illnesses in China. However, severe cases may be defined by wheezing, shortness of breath, or even symptoms like rashes. However, the Indian health authorities have pointed out that what is happening in China is not unprecedented on that front, and India is prepared for any outbreak.
The Centre has called on the public to refrain from panicking over viral outbreaks and follow health promotion measures only.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates