Delhi Govt on High Alert After HMPV Cases Detected in Karnataka

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Jan. The Delhi government has issued an urgent directive to all hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared to handle a potential surge in respiratory illnesses following the detection of two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka.

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, in a “Most Urgent” directive, instructed the health and family welfare department to closely monitor the situation and maintain communication with the Union health ministry for updates.

“Hospitals under the Delhi government must be fully equipped to manage any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, as advised by the Union health ministry,” Bharadwaj stated.

Mandatory Hospital Preparedness

The directive mandates that the health secretary inspect three government hospitals daily, prioritizing the largest facilities. Reports are to cover essential parameters such as:

• Availability of medicines on the essential drug list.
• ICU bed capacity.
• Operational status of PSA oxygen plants and radiological equipment.

Hospitals have also been directed to ensure sufficient data entry operators at OPD and IPD counters and strictly adhere to standard operating procedures for acute respiratory illnesses.

HMPV Cases in Karnataka

The Union health ministry reported two confirmed HMPV cases through Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) surveillance:

1. A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru and has since been discharged.
2. An eight-month-old male infant, also with bronchopneumonia, tested positive for HMPV on January 3 and is recovering.

Tracking and Vigilance in Delhi

Minister Bharadwaj emphasized the importance of tracking respiratory illness trends across the capital and urged prompt action on emerging issues. “Any matter requiring immediate attention should be reported directly over the phone,” he added.

HMPV, a globally circulating virus, has been linked to respiratory illnesses worldwide, including in India. With cases on the rise, Delhi’s health infrastructure is on high alert to prevent and mitigate potential impacts.