By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 8: The Health department on Wednesday allayed the fear about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), pointing out that no case has been detected in Meghalaya so far.
Principal Secretary of Health department Sampath Kumar told reporters there is no spike in cases of fever and no unusual pattern has been reported from any parts of the state.
“We are monitoring paediatric cases of fever as a precaution. There is nothing to be worried about since it is a known virus which creates flu-like symptoms,” Kumar said.
Stating that an advisory on the HMPV virus has been already issued, he said Meghalaya is prepared with all necessary support to deal with any eventualities.
Kumar advised people suffering from fever or respiratory illness to be a bit careful and wear masks and maintain hand hygiene.
He said the department is using the preparedness, as advised by the Health Ministry, as an opportunity to strengthen the state’s health systems and orient all doctors.
According to him, the state government has taken proactive steps, including building of infrastructures, since the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. He cited that the Ganesh Das Hospital has a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit and there are places where people can be immediately given care.
He said the state also has Cryogenic Oxygen Plant at the COVID Step Down Hospital in Umsawli which can produce more than 1,000 oxygen cylinders a day provided there is a demand.
Talking about testing facilities, Kumar said Meghalaya has set up a diagnostic centre which can detect everything. He said people do not necessarily need to go for testing, adding that HMPV is not life-threatening like Covid-19.
He said people are being treated with paracetamol medicine if they are infected by HMPV.
WHO issues advisory
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday asked individuals in areas where it is winter to take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens, especially to the most vulnerable.
“People with mild symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting other people and rest. People at high risk or with complicated or severe symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible.
“Individuals should also consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, cpractice regular handwashing, and get recommended vaccines as per physician and local public health authorities’ advice,” it added.