HMPV Alert: 2 Suspected Cases in Maharashtra; Children, Elderly Urged to Stay Vigilant

Mumbai: Maharashtra's Medical Education Minister, Hasan Mushrif, sought to reassure the public, stressing that there was no cause for panic. He advised that children and the elderly with co-morbid conditions should remain vigilant. 

Currently, five cases of HMPV have been reported in the country, with two cases in Bengaluru, one in Ahmedabad, and two suspected cases in Nagpur.

Speaking at a meeting organized over the HMPV virus, Mushrif said, "The effect of the HMPV virus is being seen in many countries of the world. There is no need to panic. Out of the 5 patients, one patient has been discharged. The remaining patients are recovering. Children and elderly with co-morbid conditions need to stay alert", news agency ANI reported.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary of Medical Education Department Dinesh Waghmare, Commissioner Rajiv Nivatkar, Director Dr Ajay Chandanwale, Director of AYUSH Department Dr Raman Ghungralkar along with deans of all government medical colleges in the state were present through the video conferencing.

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On Monday, Hasan Mushrif, while interacting with the media said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that HMPV cases have been found in some states. The citizens of our state should not panic because the government will soon issue comprehensive guidelines regarding this situation and take preventive measures to control this disease.

"All the principals should be prepared for possible situations with medicines, oxygen and isolation if necessary. They should contact the District Collector of the concerned district for additional and abundant medicines," he said.

Minister Mushrif also instructed that everyone should make a joint effort to prevent the spread of this disease in the state and principals should be vigilant and cancel the leave of their officers and employees.

He has appealed to the citizens to follow the guidelines and create awareness about this disease among people.

As part of preventive measures and precautions, the Health Department has appealed to the citizens to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing. Patients should consult a doctor if they have symptoms like fever, cough or cold.

Meanwhile, five cases of HMPV have been reported in the country, with two cases in Bengaluru, one in Ahmedabad, and two suspected cases in Nagpur.

HMPV is a virus that has been associated with respiratory illnesses. However, there has been no unusual surge in cases in India.

Also Read:HMPV in India: Centre Urges States to Enhance Surveillance of Respiratory Illnesses