Goa Health Dept Takes Swift Action: Urgent Awareness Drive to Halt HMPV Panic

The Health Minister of Goa, Vishwajit Rane, has stated that the health departments of all the districts in the state have been instructed to create awareness on the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) to avoid creating a panic among the public.

Rane made these comments while responding to St Cruz MLA Rudolfo Fernandes on the last day of the Goa Legislative Assembly’s winter session that ended on Friday. Fernandes had wanted to know if the state government was aware of the recent spread of HMPV in some Indian states and what the state was doing to contain it in Goa.

The health minister explained that all health officers have been told to assist in the community engagement on HMPV, ILI and SARI without creating panic among the community. He also said that the state is also increasing the surveillance of ILI and SARI cases. If the patient has severe pneumonia or SARI, doctors have been told to test for H1N1 and COVID-19, respectively. If need be, they will send these cases to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for further investigation.

Rane also mentioned that in a meeting held in January, health officers were informed about the current situation of ILI and SARI in Goa and were given a power point presentation on HMPV and how to manage it.

Understanding about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) first identified in 2001, which belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It can affect people of all ages, particularly young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, leading to both upper and lower respiratory infections. The widespread use of molecular diagnostic testing has improved the detection and recognition of HMPV as a significant cause of respiratory illnesses. ^[1]

Symptoms:

Symptoms include:

• Cough

• Fever

• Runny/stuffy nose

• Sore throat

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Rash

Cause of Infection:

HMPV is caused by a virus from the same family as RSV, measles, and mumps. The virus replicates in the body’s cells.

Transmission:

HMPV spreads through:

• Coughing or sneezing

• Direct contact, such as shaking hands or hugging

• Touching contaminated objects like phones and door handles

Risk Factors:

People at higher risk for severe illness include:

• Children under 5, especially premature infants, and adults over 65

• Those with weakened immune systems

• Individuals with asthma or COPD

Prevention:

Reduce your risk by:

• Washing hands often or using hand sanitizer

• Covering your nose and mouth with your elbow when coughing or sneezing

• Avoiding contact with sick individuals

• Wearing a mask when you’re ill

• Avoiding touching your face and sharing utensils

When to See a Healthcare Provider:

Seek medical help if:

• You or your child has symptoms and an underlying condition that increases the risk of severe illness

• Symptoms don’t improve within a few days or a fever lasts more than three days

When to go to the Emergency Care:

Seek emergency care if you or your child experiences:

• High fever (over 103°F / 40°C)

• Difficulty breathing

• Bluish skin, lips, or nails

• Worsening of other health conditions ^[2]

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)." Accessed February 4, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/human-metapneumovirus/about/index.html.

2. Cleveland Clinic. "Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)." Accessed February 4, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22443-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)