By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 16: With a number of HMPV cases being reported in the country, the Meghalaya government has initiated the training of doctors to enhance surveillance of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the state.
Principal Secretary of Health, Sampath Kumar addressed reporters on Thursday and noted that cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are being closely monitored following the detection of HMPV cases in other parts of the country.
Reassuring the public, Kumar stated, “There is no need to worry. If anyone develops flu-like symptoms, they should take precautions to avoid spreading the virus. HMPV needs to be treated like any other flu.”
Although no cases of HMPV have been reported in Meghalaya, a case was recently confirmed in neighbouring Assam.
The government is actively training healthcare professionals to recognize and manage HMPV and related illnesses. This initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure that any potential outbreak is swiftly identified and contained.
As Meghalaya continues to ramp up its preparedness, citizens have been advised to remain vigilant and adhere to basic hygiene practices to protect themselves and others.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh on Thursday reported its first fatality from HMPV after a woman died with multiple health complications.
The deceased, Sanjida Akhter, died on Wednesday in Dhaka’s Infectious Diseases Hospital, where she had received treatment since Sunday.
