Odisha's Health Minister Reassures Public on HMPV Preparedness, Calls for Calm
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Bhubaneswar, Jan 7 (NationPress) Odisha's Health & Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Tuesday urged the public not to feel alarmed about the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). He reassured that the state government is fully equipped to manage the situation. “I held a virtual discussion with the state health department's secretary, the health director, and officials from major hospitals about the status of HMPV in Odisha. I want to emphasize on behalf of the state government that there is no need for panic as the virus has had minimal impact in India, and currently, there are no reported positive cases in Odisha. The Odisha health department is completely prepared and will adhere to all guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,” stated Mahaling on Tuesday.
The Health Minister highlighted that the people of Odisha are known for their warm hospitality towards delegates visiting the state for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas without any concern regarding the HMPV virus.
“Today, I conducted a comprehensive video conference with departmental officials regarding the health department's preparations for the 18th #PravasiBharatiyaDivas starting tomorrow. The state government is committed to ensuring healthcare for NRIs in Odisha if needed during their stay, and the health department is fully equipped to prevent any health-related issues,” he noted in a post on X.
Mahaling also clarified that HMPV is not a new virus; it has existed globally for a considerable time. India’s healthcare and surveillance systems are well-prepared and capable of addressing any potential health emergencies. The situation regarding HMPV is being closely monitored, and there is currently no reason for alarm, he added.
In related news, Odisha's Director of Public Health, Nilakantha Mishra, mentioned that no advisory has been issued by the state government concerning the HMPV virus.
Mishra further stated that unlike Covid, HMPV is not highly contagious. Reports indicate that the Union Health Ministry has instructed state governments to enhance and review surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) following the identification of HMPV cases. Up to seven instances of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections have been reported in children across Bengaluru, Nagpur, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.
