Porvorim: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday informed the House that all government health officers have been advised to create awareness among the general public about HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus), as well as ILI (Influenza-Like Illness) and SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection), to prevent panic.
Rane was responding in writing to a starred question tabled by St. Cruz MLA Rudolfo Fernandes during the winter session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, which concluded on Friday, February 7.
MLA Fernandes had asked whether the state government is aware of the recent spread of the HMPV virus in some states in India. He also inquired about the precautions being taken to prevent the spread of the virus in Goa.
The health minister stated that all health officers have been advised to strengthen awareness among the general public regarding preventive measures for HMPV, ILI, and SARI while ensuring that no panic is created.
He further mentioned that while strengthening and reviewing ILI and SARI surveillance, health officers have been instructed to investigate any severe cases of SARI or pneumonia for viral infections such as H1N1 and COVID-19 before referring them to the National Institute of Virology Laboratory in Pune for further testing.
Rane also informed that during their monthly meeting on January 7, 2025, all health officers were briefed on the trends of ILI and SARI cases in the state, along with a presentation on HMPV.
The two-day winter session of the Goa Legislative Assembly began on Thursday with an address by Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai.
