Bhubaneswar: With five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) being detected in India, State Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra has urged Odisha people not to get frightened by the spread of the virus.
As per reports, two children have tested positive for HMPV and are currently undergoing treatment in Chennai. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to five. After the virus reared its ugly head in three major cities including Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Kolkata, Odisha’s chances of being affected by the virus cannot be avoided.
Keeping this in mind, the Public Health Director assured that there’s no need to panic.
“The HMPV virus has not been detected in Odisha, and the two children in Bengaluru who tested positive for the virus have no travel history. The virus has been present since 2001 and the state is prepared to combat any situation”, assured Mishra.
He further said, “We are waiting for the guidelines of central government. We have received a press release only. The state government is taking precautions, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is kept ready for HMPV testing. I would like to advise people, especially those above 65 years, to be cautious and get tested if they experience cold-like symptoms.”
