Human Metapneumovirus: J&K health sector vigilant, preparedness in full swing

Srinagar, Jan 8: Amid rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) across India, J&K health authorities have ramped up preparedness by designating testing labs, isolation beds, and ICUs. Experts and officials stress that HMPV is not comparable to COVID-19, urging the public to stay informed but avoid panic.

SKIMS Soura on Tuesday said it was well equipped to test for HMPV, and would act as the focal point for providing diagnostic facilities of RTPCR if and when the need arises. Prof Ashraf Ganai, Director SKIMS Soura said that HMPV was not a new virus and such cases are routinely managed on OPD basis. “This Virus has been there since 2001. It has existed in India too but got highlighted due to the recent surge in cases in China,” he said.

He said the Institute had identified Isolation Ward and also designated ventilators if there was a need. “Healthcare providers should consider HMPV in the differential diagnosis of respiratory illnesses, especially in high risk groups, and use available diagnostic and management facilities".

Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent Children Hospital Bemina, Dr Abdul Rasheed Parra said a 12-bed Isolation Ward had been prepared for pediatric cases of HMPV. “If we need more capacity, we are well-equipped to do that since about 90 per cent of our beds have high-flow oxygen,” he said. In addition, ventilators were also kept available for any emergency, Dr Parra said. HMPV is known to affect children less than 5 years, elderly and immune-compromised.

Not a panic situation

Health experts reiterated that HMPV was not a new virus and therefore there was no need to panic. Prof Parvaiz A Koul, former Director SKIMS Soura and an influenza expert said SKIMS had documented cases of HMPV since 2012. “It may have existed in the community before that too. We have seen its cases almost every year, causing exacerbation of respiratory diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)” he said. Prof Koul said given the fact that people have been exposed to this virus for a long time, the community would have immunity against it, “unlike COVID19 which was a new virus”.

HoD Pulmonology, GMC Srinagar, Prof Naveed Nazir Shah said HMPV causes mild respiratory illness in a majority of cases. “Common symptoms are cough, nasal congestion, fever, body aches in most cases, and less common are shortness of breath, and neurological disorders,” he said. He said his department was ready to handle a surge if any. “There is no need to panic, but we need to exercise caution,” he said.

Professor Ajaz Nabi Koul, Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at SKIMS Soura, reassured that there's no need to panic, as HMPV behaves like influenza and is generally self-limiting. He said prevention is majorly about cough etiquette, frequent hand washing and sanitization and wearing masks in public settings.

Precautionary measures

Earlier on Monday, the J&K government assured public that it is well-prepared to deal with the HMPV cases, directing all hospitals to keep isolation beds ready. Health Minister Sakina Masood emphasised that the government has preparations in place, focusing on ensuring oxygen availability, with oxygen plants ready and undergoing routine reviews.

"We already have preparations in place. The main focus is on ensuring the availability of oxygen. For this, we have oxygen plants ready, and we are working to ensure that they remain functional and ready for use if required. These facilities are being routinely reviewed," Masood said. She added that the government is committed to providing better healthcare facilities and will ensure robust services in the event of any situation caused by HMPV.

The Union Health Ministry has directed hospitals to keep two isolation beds ready and closely monitor SARI data from hospitals and influenza trends. The reporting of SARI and ILI-like illnesses will be monitored daily. As per the central government's directives, the States and Union Territories have been asked to strengthen and review surveillance for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI).