Odisha to hold crucial meeting over HMPV threat on January 15

Bhubaneswar: Taking a serious note of the detection of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in different States of the country, the Odisha government has called for a crucial meeting on January 15 to find ways and means to address concerns pertaining to the virus.

While speaking to the newsmen, Dr Bijay Mohapatra, the Special Secretary of Health department, said “A meeting will be held on January 15 (Wednesday) to review the situation and preparedness at the district level for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases.”

“We have not received any specific guideline from the centre with regard to the HMPV. We are waiting for direction of the central government’s committee and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),” Mohapatra added.

He further said, “The symptoms of HMPV may include cold, fever, cough, and even pneumonia. However, our surveillances under Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) is continuing. There is no specific treatment for HMPV. It will be done as in the case of pneumonia. Since the Covid pandemic, we have the proper facilities at all the health cetres for the treatment of this disease and we are well prepared to fight HMPV successfully.”

It is to be noted here that a total of 17 HMPV cases have been reported in India so far.