There is no need to panic over HMPV, says twin cities official

Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad assures no need to panic over HMPV cases, closely monitoring SARI and ILI-like symptoms.

Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad Divya Prabhu G.R.J. has said that there is no need for the people of the district to panic in the wake of reports of HMPV cases in Bengaluru as no such cases has been reported in the district so far.

Speaking to presspersons after inspecting preparedness at the District Civil Hospital in Dharwad on Tuesday, she said that the administration, however, is closely monitoring SARI and ILI-like symptoms cases.

The Deputy Commissioner said that the Health Department has sent a health advisory and asked people not to panic. She said that because of the winter, HMPV common flu cases will rise and only in rare cases, people might develop SARI and ILI-like symptoms.  And, such patients will be advised to wear face masks to prevent the spread of the disease, she said.

Ms. Prabhu said that in December 2024, 45 flu cases were reported. And, 21 cases have been reported till date this month.

Clarifying that there is no surge in flu or common cold, cough and fever cases, she, however, said that, as a precautionary measure, an isolation ward in the District Civil Hospital will be set up and health officials have been directed to keep stock of the required medicines and add additional beds if the situation demands.

On maternal mortality rate in the district, Ms. Prabhu said that compared to other districts that have reported a spike in maternal deaths, Dharwad district has a comparatively low rate.

“Statistics for the last three years show that maternal mortality is on the decline in the district. While 62 maternal deaths were reported during 2022-23, 25 were from Dharwad and 37 from outside the district. The number came down to 43 in 2023-24 with 13 deaths in Dharwad and 30 from other districts. This year, so far 35 maternal deaths have been reported out of which 11 are from Dharwad district and 24 from other districts,” she said.