On Sunday, health officials in Delhi issued an advisory aimed at preparing for possible health risks associated with the Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) and other respiratory viruses.
Dr. Vandana Bagga, the Director General of Health Services, led a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state program officer from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) to discuss strategies for tackling respiratory illnesses in the capital.
As part of their action plan, hospitals have been instructed to immediately report cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) via the IHIP Portal.
Mandatory measures include strict isolation protocols and the implementation of universal precautions for suspected cases. Hospitals are also required to thoroughly document SARI cases and confirmed influenza cases to facilitate proper monitoring.
Additionally, hospitals must ensure the availability of essential medications, including paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrups for the treatment of mild cases, as well as oxygen supplies.
These recommendations follow reports of rising respiratory illnesses in China. However, updates from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that there has not been a significant increase in respiratory illnesses in the region, as per data available until January 2, 2025.
