Chhattisgarh govt issues guidelines to wear masks in hospitals and crowded places, ET HealthWorld
Raipur: Chhattisgarh government has issued a guideline to wear masks at crowded places and hospitals, for the public due to the insurgence of the Human Meta Pneumo Virus (HMPV), similar to the situation experienced during Covid-19 pandemic.
Reminding of Covid-19 situation, the HMPV also needs similar precautions to be followed. Central govt has directed states to act towards prevention of such an outbreak following which guidelines have been issued for hospitals in Chhattisgarh.
While no case of HMPV has been reported in Chhattisgarh, to leave no chances of spread of infection, Chhattisgarh directorate of health services issued a guideline stating that wearing masks is required in hospitals and crowded places. Also, people suffering with respiratory diseases have been advised to minimize going outside.
Officials at Directorate of Health Services said that the directives have been given to all medical colleges, hospital superintendents, Chief Medical and Health Officers of districts, Civil Surgeons of district hospitals, and hospital directors.
According to officials, the HMPV is a respiratory-related virus that spreads through infection. It presents symptoms similar to common cold or flu. Currently, there are eight positive cases in India including two in Karnataka, one in Gujarat, two in Tamil Nadu, and three in Maharashtra. To prevent further spread, guidelines for testing and treatment have been issued.
Testing At AIIMS Raipur
According to the Directorate of Health Services, HMPV virus testing can be done at AIIMS Raipur. RT-PCR, antigen tests, and serology tests are being conducted. The guidelines for treatment suggest keeping the patient hydrated, ensuring rest, administering medications, and providing oxygen support if necessary.
Hospitals have also been instructed to record and test cases of influenza-like illnesses among OPD patients or those already admitted.
Chhattisgarh’s Health Minister, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, chaired a meeting with department officials regarding the matter.
He stated that “no information has been received about the HMPV in Chhattisgarh so far. However, the experience with Covid-19 was not good, and given the nationwide panic, we have taken precautionary measures such as identifying ICU beds, ventilators, and dedicated wards. We have also been instructed to prepare oxygen cylinders and plants and make necessary improvements.”
He also added that a team of experts has been formed to monitor the situation. “There is no need for the public to panic,” he assured, saying that there was no emergency situation yet, but department is on alert mode.
Chhattisgarh govt has formed a technical team which will prepare essential guidelines and suggestions. The team comprises of Director of Epidemic Control Dr. S.K. Pambhoi as the chairperson, along with Deputy Directors Dr. Khemraj Sonwani and Dr. Dharmendra Gahwai, and state advisors ISDP Akanksha Rana and ISDP Chhalanika Nag. The technical committee will periodically provide reports, updates, and suggestions to the health department regarding the HMPV.
