Team Herald
PANJIM: Even as India confirmed five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) on Monday, the Goa government’s preparedness in detecting cases of the virus has come under scrutiny.
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While the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has stated that people need not panic as HMPV is a mild form of the common cold, according to a statement by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, the Goa government presently has no testing facility for the virus.
“The Government of India has not yet issued guidelines related to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) for the States. Whenever the directions are received from the Centre they will be followed meticulously,” Rane said to the media.
On the other hand, Manipal Hospital, the only private facility that announced that it tests for the virus, has stated that the test will cost Rs 18,000 – putting it beyond the reach of the common man and raising the question: on whose doors will Goans knock if cases rise?
State epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar has said that there is no reason to panic as HMPV virus is typically mild. “HMPV is a common flu virus. There are many viruses causing flu symptoms. In Goa flu cases increase in August, September and October and when the cold intensifies. HMPV shows symptoms of cough, sneezing, fever and a runny nose,” Dr Betodkar said.
“In Goa we test flu cases only when we see acute respiratory illness,” said Dr Betodkar
“Under the Directorate of Health Services, we have analysed data of cases during the last three months and we have not found an increase in cases. If we find cases then we will begin diagnosis instantly,” he said.
Dr Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital claimed that only Manipal Hospital has testing facilities for HMPV, which cost Rs 18,000. “The reports are available within an hour. HMPV testing is done as a part of the pneumonia panel for lower respiratory infections. Cost of the test is Rs 18,000, as the reagent used is very costly,” Dr Salkar told reporters.
However, according to senior ENT specialist Dr Jorson Fernandes: “What we need to promote right now is preventive measures like wearing masks in crowded places. Let’s remember the Cs – close contacts, closed places and crowded places need to be avoided. As long as we follow this, the virus won’t have much of an impact. Testing should not be a concern for the people.”
