As Tamil Nadu reports 2 HMPV cases, health minister says no need to panic
There is no need to panic, the minister said, adding that the State was prepared to handle any healthcare emergency. The infection can be treated in all the hospitals across the State, he added
Health Minister Ma Subramanian
CHENNAI: Allaying public fears of the HMPV virus, Health minister Ma Subramanian on Tuesday said there is no need for everyone to test for the virus and the infected cases are being monitored in government and private hospitals in Tamil Nadu.
A 69-year-old patient from Salem and a 45-year-old from Chennai are under treatment in different hospitals. The Salem patient is diabetic and also suffering from cancer. The health minister said the spread of HMPV is being monitored, and all hospitals, including private ones, are under surveillance.
"HMPV infection has cold-like symptoms lasting 3 to 5 days, and in case of infection, isolation for five days is significant to prevent spread. Patients can visit nearest healthcare facilities for treatment if they have symptoms such as fever, sore throat, breathlessness or respiratory infection. The use of masks should be encouraged. The infection will be cured similar to the flu in a few days and there is no other specific treatment for this, he said.
Stating that every individual need not test for HMPV, the health minister said it is a common infection and there is no need to have special wards for its treatment. We are prepared to handle any health emergency. Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories are equipped to handle anything.”
*No need for special ward to treat HMPV cases: Min*
The health minister said HMPV infection can be treated in any healthcare facilities -- the state has 8,713 sub-health centres, 2,286 primary health centres, 36 medical college hospitals, two multi-specialty hospitals and district hospitals.
Assuring that the virus only causes mild illness, the minister said there is no need to go in search of oxygen cylinders or ICU wards. Monitoring and surveillance are in place. HMPV patients have been reportedly recovering within a few days of infection. Every individual who has a cold or fever does not need to test for HMPV.
Talking about preventive measures, the minister said cold and flu are common but people with comorbidities or those with immunocompromised conditions are vulnerable to any virus, not just HMPV. Such people can suffer from lung damage so it is important to take safety measures.
"Those infected with the virus should avoid spreading the infection through droplets when sneezing or coughing. As part of preventive measures, frequent handwashing and use of sanitizers should be practiced not only by infected persons but everyone."
The minister highlighted that healthcare professionals from China have also assured that people who recovered from HMPV infection in China are living a normal life so there is no need to fear an outbreak. "The World Health Organisation is also monitoring the cases of HMPV and the prevention or control measures that need to be implemented would be communicated if required. No guidelines have been issued yet," the minister said.
He added that the Union health ministry has ensured the surveillance of HMPV cases in the country and has assured there is no need to fear an outbreak. Reiterating that there is no cause of concern, he said the infection is not linked to travel history as this is not a new virus but has been present in the environment for more than 50 years," the minister said.
Also Read: HMPV reaches TN, one case detected in Chennai, one in Salem
The treatment for HMPV is symptomatic and supportive, including adequate hydration and rest, it added.
