Jammu- Responding to the concerns triggered by the detection of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country, the Jammu and Kashmir health department has set up a specialised ICU ward in Jammu to address any potential outbreak of the disease.
“We have prepared a special ICU ward to handle any eventuality. God forbid if a pandemic occurs, we are ready,” Dr Hamid Zargar, medical superintendent of Gandhinagar government hospital, said.
“The centrally-heated ward has eight beds supported by ventilators and 24×7 oxygen supply,” he added.
Doctors have assured the public that there is no need to panic, emphasising that HMPV is not a new pathogen and it is not causing a widespread outbreak.
“It is a mild upper respiratory disease. Six cases have been detected so far (in the country), but there is no need to panic,” Zargar said.
To enhance readiness, the administration has convened meetings to review the situation and ensure that adequate facilities are in place.
“Our oxygen plant with a capacity of 22,000 LPM is fully functional,” Zargar said.
“In addition to the special ward, our hospital has 100 oxygen-supported beds, along with sufficient concentrators and various types of cylinders,” he added.
First identified in 2001 but known to circulate since the 1970s, human metapneumovirus is a common respiratory virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms.
Health experts have highlighted its potential impact on children and older adults, urging vigilance for the warning signs.
While a few HMPV cases have been reported from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat, health experts maintain the situation remains under control, calling for calm and awareness among the public.
HMPV- No Need To Panic: Experts
The Jammu and Kashmir Health Department Wednesday said there is no need to panic in view of the concerns triggered by the detection of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country, and said the administration is prepared to deal with any situation.
“There is no need to panic. The entire machinery is fully geared up to deal with any situation,” a health department officer said.
Doctors have emphasized that HMPV is not a new pathogen and is not causing a widespread outbreak.
“This is a mild upper respiratory HMPV disease. Six cases have been detected so far in the South. There is no need to panic,” Gandhinagar Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Hamid Zargar told PTI.
The administration has convened high-level meetings to review the situation, enhance readiness and ensure adequate facilities are in place, he said.
“A meeting chaired by the secretary took place in the civil secretariat yesterday. They stressed us to remain fully prepared. We are fully prepared” Dr Zargar said.
“Our oxygen plant, with a capacity of 22,000 LPM, is fully functional. God forbid if a pandemic occurs, we have kept one special medical ICU ward here (ready) to handle the situation” he said.
He said eight beds have been set up, supported by ventilators and a 24×7 oxygen supply. “The ward is centrally heated, and all necessary preparations have been made.”
Dr Mudasir, a Pulmonologist, said that there is no need to panic about the HMPV, but the people must remain cautious.
He said that HMPV has been in the community for decades and around 10 percent of the elders being admitted in the hospitals have this virus, so it is a part of community infection.
Usually illness due to HMPV remains mild and there is no specific treatment and vaccine for the virus as most of the patients don’t need any treatment.
He said that symptoms of HMPV are running nose, cough, fever, wheezing and shortness of breath. He said that the people must avoid visiting crowded places, especially hospitals.
Dr Khursheed Ahmad said that HMPV is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
“The virus primarily attacks the respiratory epithelium, leading to inflammation and respiratory distress,” he said, adding that young children, elderly, immunocompromised individuals and people with pre-existing conditions like chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are more vulnerable.
He said that severe complications that are rare include bronchiolitis, Pneumonia and exacerbation of Asthma or COPD that requires hospitalization.
Doctors said that preventive measures including hygiene practices, stay away from individuals showing symptoms of respiratory infections, clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, and electronic devices, wear a mask in crowded or high-risk areas, especially during respiratory virus outbreaks, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep can reduce the risk of infection.
Meanwhile, a top health official told KNO that Jammu and Kashmir Health department has intensified efforts to meet any eventuality to address the situation in case of rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
He said that as a precautionary measure, the isolation wards are being set up across J&K to ensure preparedness and swift action.
“Our hospitals are adequately equipped with oxygen plants, intensive care units, and oxygen concentrators to manage any emergency,” officials said, adding that no HMPV cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir so far but the department is prepared to meet any emergency.
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