Karnataka Health department says no need to panic and issues guidelines for HMPV

Bengaluru: In light of concerns regarding rising human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in China, the state health department has assured that there is no cause for concern and no cases of HMPV have been reported in the state as yet.

“There is nothing to worry about as of now. The Government of India has also not put out any specific directions to states regarding special surveillance or testing. There is no reported case as of now, as per our data,” said Principal Secretary of the department Harsh Gupta.

A statement by the department on Saturday noted that officials have analysed the data recorded regarding prevailing respiratory infections such as common cold, influenza-like illnesses, severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) across the state and have not seen a significant increase in the reported cases in December 2024 compared to the previous year.

Dr Ansar Ahmed, project director, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, assured there is no reason to panic. “We are alert and we can handle any crisis, if anything arises,” he said.

Do’s and don’ts

Do cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze.

Do wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid crowded places, especially if you feel unwell, and limit contact

Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food

Do not self-medicate