Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh government will soon start conducting tests for suspected Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases at 10 Viral Research Diagnostic Labs located across the state. It has already placed the order for testing kits from Germany. The consignment is expected to reach the state shortly.
Reports of HMPV cases are already emanating from states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. In view of this, AP health authorities have started initiating a series of measures to detect such cases in Andhra Pradesh and stop the spread of the virus.
Accordingly, 10 labs are being equipped to start testing the nasal swabs and other samples free of cost on lines of the earlier testing for Covid-19.
As HMPV has infected children below 14 years in the country so far, state health authorities are advising parents to keep a close watch on symptoms of their children suffering from cold, cough and sneezing. Authorities suggest that kids with such symptoms be isolated in the house and provided treatment. However, if the symptoms become severe, parents must take such children to the nearest health facility, which should provide treatment while keeping the children under close observation.
Aged people and those using medicines for chronic diseases are advised to be on high alert to avoid getting infected with cold, cough and sneezing. Those with these symptoms should reach out to the nearby health centre for diagnosis and treatment.
Authorities have instructed all government medical colleges to organise special wards with 20 beds each, so that suspected cases could be admitted, screened for HMPV and provided symptomatic treatment based on test results.
As the virus-infected patients show symptoms of Covid-19 and respiratory issues, hospitals have been instructed to keep adequate stocks of oxygen and ensure that oxygen supply lines are functioning properly. Hospitals have been asked to immediately revive their PSA plants and other requisite medical equipment.
Primary health centres (PHCs) have been asked to keep oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators ready for usage. Health authorities are displaying Dos and Don’ts at the PHCs to bring about awareness among people about wearing face masks, washing hands regularly with sanitiser, avoiding large gatherings and so on.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, health minister Satya Kumar Yadav, chief secretary K. Vijayanand and special chief secretary (Health) M.T. Krishna Babu are closely monitoring the developments with regard to HMPV.
Health director Dr. K. Padmavathi said, “AP has not reported any case of HMPV so far. The entire administration is focused on dealing with the virus if found. We appeal to the people to be self-conscious about the symptoms of the virus, exercise caution and avoid spreading the virus further.”
