Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation The Ministry of Health (NMC) has asked public and private hospitals to follow the same patient screening protocols as during the Covid pandemic, due to the similar nature of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV). However, use of masks, PPE kits and quarantine have not been advised as the state health department has not made them mandatory, NMC officials said.
Senior NMC officials said the ICMR was drawing up detailed guidelines and the civic body would act accordingly. “No specific restrictions or guidelines have been issued for the general public so far. The state health department has only advised that patients with respiratory diseases should not be allowed to spit in the open They have also been asked to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper when they cough or sneeze,” a senior officer said.
“Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay away from public places if you have a fever, cough, and sneezes. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods. Ensure adequate ventilation in all areas to minimize contamination,” the memo reads.
The department said it analyzed statistics of respiratory infections in the state. “There is no increase in December 2024 compared to the year 2023. However, as part of precautionary measures, the Ministry of Health urged citizens to follow the instructions regarding things to do and what not to do to prevent respiratory infections,” the statement said. Ensure adequate ventilation in all areas to minimize contamination.
HMPV infection is a respiratory disease and therefore hospitals have been asked to closely monitor patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI). NMC health officials said there is no need to panic as HMPV causes a mild respiratory infection and the Indian population, especially children, are already immune to it.
