HMPV Alert: Bihar Government Issues Advisory with Precautionary Measures
Patna: The Bihar government has initiated precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) after more than five cases were reported in the country.
Health Minister Mangal Pandey has directed state authorities to enhance preparedness by issuing guidelines and setting up response mechanisms across healthcare institutions. The Health Department has instructed hospitals to establish flu desks and prepare for RT-PCR testing to identify HMPV cases promptly.
Additional guidelines focus on monitoring and managing HMPV, a respiratory virus with symptoms similar to Covid-19. Authorities have been tasked with daily reporting of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and severe respiratory infections while ensuring the regular monitoring of patients.
“We are taking proactive steps to train healthcare workers in preventing and managing HMPV infections. Measures include strict infection control protocols, ensuring the availability of critical resources like ventilators, oxygen, Covid-19 medicines, and testing kits to mitigate risks,” Pandey told IANS.
The Health Department has emphasized preventive measures akin to Covid-19 protocols, such as frequent handwashing, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, maintaining distance from infected individuals, and disinfecting items used by patients.
Pandey advised immediate medical consultation for respiratory symptoms, particularly in vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
HMPV, a common respiratory infection affecting people of all ages, poses a higher risk to young children and the elderly. While there is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment available, early diagnosis and supportive care—such as hydration, rest, and oxygen support in severe cases—can improve outcomes.
The government’s proactive measures aim to strengthen healthcare services and manage emerging health threats. Hospitals and healthcare facilities across Bihar are on high alert to tackle any potential surge in HMPV cases.
The state’s swift response underscores its commitment to public health safety and mitigating the impact of the virus.
Nidhi Srivastava is a dietician. She holds a post-graduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from MRIIRS. With a profound passion for utilizing nutrition and lifestyle modifications to manage diseases, she is dedicated to advancing the field through rigorous research and fact-checking. Her expertise lies in evidence-based practice, ensuring the highest standards of dietary health and wellness.