Amaravati, January 7 – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has urged officials to remain vigilant against Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) following cases in Gujarat and Karnataka. During a teleconference, he emphasized preventive measures to manage respiratory infections and noted that no HMPV cases have been reported in the state so far.
Naidu directed the formation of a task force of health experts and called for enhanced preparedness, including the procurement of 3,000 testing kits and increased supplies of masks, PPE kits, and sanitizers. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the availability of Ribavirin, a drug used to treat HMPV, and preparing virology labs for testing.
Isolation wards are being set up in hospitals, and mock drills are planned to ensure oxygen supply readiness. Naidu urged the public to maintain hygiene, wash hands regularly, and wear masks in public spaces to prevent the virus’s spread.
