Uttarakhand Prepares Medical Facilities, Spreads Awareness To Public As HMPV Cases Grow

A statement was issued to all the district magistrates and chief medical officers so that medical facilities are better prepared for any patients.

The DGHS has recommended special care for children, elderly individuals, and those with underlying health conditions.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

In light of the cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) found in India, the Directorate of Medical Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory on Monday to prevent and control respiratory diseases including influenza. The DGHS stressed the need to take precautionary measures, and public awareness to address the increased risk of transmission during the winter months and to prepare the healthcare facilities for any patients.

The statement was issued to all the district magistrates and chief medical officers. It said that the HMPV respiratory disease is currently spreading globally and, like other respiratory illnesses it tends to manifest more during the winter months. The symptoms resemble those of the common cold and flu.

No cases of HMPV have been reported in Uttarakhand to date.

The DGHS said that winter months have a higher risk of transmission of respiratory diseases such as seasonal influenza (H1N1, H3N2), influenza-like illness (ILI), and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI).  HMPV, specifically, presents with symptoms similar to the common cold and typically resolves on its own within 3 to 5 days. Hence, the department of health said that, there is no need for panic or misinformation regarding this illness, the release issued.

As per the health department guidelines, hospitals are required to ensure the availability of adequate isolation beds or wards, oxygen beds, ICU beds, ventilators, and oxygen cylinders for the treatment of influenza and pneumonia patients.

Additionally, a sufficient stock of essential medicines and materials, such as PPE kits, N-95 masks, and VTM vials are to be kept, as well as an adequate number of doctors and nursing staff at all healthcare facilities, from medical colleges to primary health centres should be available.

Patients exhibiting symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) should be closely monitored at both the hospital and community levels. Furthermore, it is mandatory to enter the details of these patients into the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

The DGHS has recommended special care for children, elderly individuals, and those with underlying health conditions.

If clusters of ILI or SARI cases are identified at the community level, testing facilities should be made readily available at those locations, and immediate control and prevention measures must be implemented. The Rapid Response Team, formed under the IDSP program, is tasked with continuously monitoring any unusual situations arising from influenza or pneumonia and taking prompt action to control them.

Advice For People

People are advised to use a handkerchief or tissue to cover their nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and to avoid crowded places. The DGHS has said that it is crucial to maintain hand hygiene with soap and water, as well as drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food. Any who experiences symptoms of cold, cough or fever are urged to seek medical advice and only take prescribed medicines. Symptomatic individuals should maintain distance from healthy people to prevent transmission.

Reusing used tissues or handkerchiefs is advised against also, shaking hands or coming into close contact with symptomatic individuals.

The DCHS has advised to avoid medication without a doctor's recommendation and refraining from repeatedly touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Additionally, spitting in public places should be avoided to reduce the risk of infection.