Hospitals directed to keep isolation beds ready
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Jan 7: Government today said that it is ready to deal with the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and has directed all the hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir to keep isolation beds ready.
While experts emphasize that there is no need to panic, regarding preparedness in J&K, Health Minister Sakina Itoo told Excelsior that the Government is well-prepared at all levels to deal with any situation.
“We already have preparations in place. The main focus is on ensuring the availability of oxygen. For this, we have oxygen plants ready, and we are working to ensure that they remain functional and ready for use if required. These facilities are being routinely reviewed,” she said.
Itoo added that the Government is committed to providing better healthcare facilities and will ensure robust services in the event of any situation caused by HMPV.
As the Central Government has directed the States and Union Territories to strengthen and review surveillance for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), a Health Department official told Excelsior that the reporting of SARI and ILI-like illnesses will now be monitored daily with increased vigilance across Jammu and Kashmir.
“Apart from other measures, with a focus on raising awareness among the masses, all hospitals have been directed to keep two isolation beds ready. There is also a need to closely monitor SARI data from hospitals and influenza trends,” the official said.
Professor and Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at SKIMS Soura, Dr. Ajaz Nabi Koul, also told Excelsior that there is no need to panic, noting that the virus behaves like influenza and is generally self-limiting.
“It has been in circulation for decades. People at the extremes of age and immunocompromised individuals, including patients with structural lung disease, are at higher risk,” he said.
According to experts, symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Severe cases may lead to bronchitis and pneumonia.
While there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV, treatment focuses on symptom management. This includes staying hydrated, resting, using medications for pain and respiratory symptoms, and providing oxygen support in severe cases.
Experts stated that the virus spreads through droplets from coughing or sneezing, close personal contact—such as touching or shaking hands—and touching contaminated surfaces before touching the face.
Experts also note that in temperate climates, the virus typically circulates from winter through spring, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicating that HMPV is most active during late winter and spring.
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