As India detects HMPV cases, Delhi tells hospitals to ensure oxygen supply, keep isolation ward ready

After India reported its first two confirmed cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka’s Bengaluru, the Health Department of Delhi on Monday released a health advisory for hospitals across the national capital.

On Monday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed two cases of HMPV in Karnataka and both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.

Delhi issues advisory after India detects HMPV cases

The Directorate general of Health services, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has advised the CDMO, MD/MS to ensure of the following:

1 - Availability of oxygen and other support consumables.

2 - Paracetamol, Antihistaminics, Bronchodilators, Cough syrups for alleviating the symptoms in mild cases.

3 - Capacity building - including hygiene/patient safety measures.

4 - Also, hospitals across Delhi have been asked for identification of facilities to treat severe cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) with support system capacity especially for ventilator support and awareness generation amongst the Medical/ paramedical staff.

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Hospitals in Delhi have been asked to ensure timely reporting of all Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and SARI cases on the health ministry’s Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.

Also, they have been asked for proper line listing of all cases of SARI and lab confirmed case of Influenza at IHIP-Portal

Hospitals have been asked to isolate all suspect cases and adhere to other preventive measures to restrict the spread of the disease.

The government hospitals have also been asked to liaison with private hospitals in their district with MSNH to ensure proper reporting and treatment.

A helpline number of DGHS,HQ - 011-22307145 or 011-22300012 has been shared for information purposes. Also, hospitals have been asked to share or communicate feedback or necessary updates with Public Health division of DGHS by email at phw4delhi@yahoo.com

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India reports first case of HMPV

A 3-month-old female infant and an 8-month-old male infant had tested positive for HMPV in Karnataka’s Bengaluru.

The female infant was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Bengaluru’s Baptist Hospital with a history of bronchopneumonia. She has since been discharged.

The male infant tested positive, who is also admitted to Baptist Hospital with a history of bronchopneumonia, is now recovering.

Also Read: HMPV in India: ICMR confirms two cases from Karnataka's Bengaluru in 'routine surveillance'

As per the Karnataka health ministry, neither of the patients nor their parents have any history of international travel.

What is HMPV and how does it spread?

Akin to Covid, the symptoms of HMPV are similar to the common cold in humans. Children, elderly (and above) and people with weak immune systems are most vulnerable to metapneumovirus.

Several studies show most HMPV cases are mild in nature and most people get it before they turn five.

The symptoms of the disease typically appear three to 10 days after infection.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV can cause respiratory diseases and spreads easily from person to person or from contaminated surfaces to people.

The CDC said though it was only discovered in 2001, it is now recognised as a significant contributor to upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

HMPV has flu-like symptoms and include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.

Recent reports of an outbreak of HMPV in China have raised alarm across the globe. India’s Ministry of Health said the situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season.

With inputs from agencies.