HMPV a common virus, no need to panic: Himachal health minister

Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil on Tuesday said human metapneumovirus (HPMV) is a common virus and there is no need to panic. He said HMPV's prevalence in India and other countries has been registered since 2001.

Chairing a meeting of health officials on the concerns related to HPMV here, Shandil said the HPMV is not a virus of concern and it must be treated as a regular viral.

In a statement issued here, he said the Union health ministry is continuously monitoring the spread or severity of HPMV.


Shandil said no uncommon spike has been registered anywhere across the country in the cases related to influenza disease and other serious breathing-related diseases. Even in Himachal Pradesh, no uncommon spike has been registered so far, the minister said.

He said cough, fever and cold are the common symptoms of HPMV and it spreads by coming in close contact with infected people. While requesting people to remain cautious, he asked them to visit nearby health centres in case they develop similar symptoms.

The minister also asked the people to take precautionary measures like wearing masks, washing hands with soap at regular intervals and resting at home in case they feel sick.

The health department is fully equipped to deal with any emergency in case a rise in the HPMV is registered in the near future, the minister said, and added that sufficient infrastructure, beds, oxygen cylinders and other necessary facilities are available at all medical institutions to deal with any health emergency.

Shandil said the state government will closely follow the protocol and directions issued by the government of India concerning HPMV.