‘Strict Isolation, Detailed Documentation’: Delhi Health Officials Issue Advisory to Address HMPV Outbreak

On Sunday, health officials in Delhi issued guidelines to mitigate potential health risks from Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) and other respiratory illnesses. Dr. Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services, conducted discussions with chief district medical officers and the state Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) officer to ensure preparedness for respiratory ailments in the city.

The advisory mandates that hospitals report cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) through the IHIP Portal. Suspected cases must be strictly isolated, and hospitals are required to adhere to standard safety protocols. Detailed documentation for SARI cases and laboratory-confirmed influenza instances has also been outlined to enable effective tracking.

Hospitals have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, cough syrups, and oxygen to manage mild cases.

These measures come in response to reports of HMPV outbreaks and a rise in respiratory illnesses in China.

However, according to data from the IDSP, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) as of January 2, 2025, there has been no significant increase in respiratory illness cases in India.