Jammu: In the wake of the rising cases of HMPV in the country, the Jammu and Kashmir health department has set up a specialised ICU ward in Jammu to address any potential outbreak of the disease. In the meantime, the government and doctors have assured the public that there is no need to panic, emphasising that HMPV is not a new pathogen and it is not causing a widespread outbreak.
"We have prepared a special ICU ward to handle any eventuality. God forbid if a pandemic occurs, we are ready," Dr Hamid Zargar, medical superintendent of Gandhinagar government hospital, told PTI.
"The centrally-heated ward has eight beds supported by ventilators and 24x7 oxygen supply," he added. "It is a mild upper respiratory disease. Six cases have been detected so far (in the country), but there is no need to panic," Zargar said.
To enhance readiness, the administration has convened meetings to review the situation and ensure that adequate facilities are in place. "Our oxygen plant with a capacity of 22,000 LPM is fully functional," Zargar said.
First identified in 2001 but known to circulate since the 1970s, human metapneumovirus is a common respiratory virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms.
Health experts have highlighted its potential impact on children and older adults, urging vigilance for the warning signs. While a few HMPV cases have been reported from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat, health experts maintain the situation remains under control, calling for calm and awareness among the public.
Doctors have emphasized that HMPV is not a new pathogen and is not causing a widespread outbreak. "This is a mild upper respiratory HMPV disease.
Six cases have been detected so far in the South. There is no need to panic," Gandhinagar Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Hamid Zargar told PTI.
The administration has convened high-level meetings to review the situation, enhance readiness and ensure adequate facilities are in place, he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
