No HMPV cases, Andhra ready to fight virus
New Indian ExpressVIJAYAWADA: In response to rising concerns about the spread of Human Metapneumovirus after the detection of a few cases in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, the State government has geared up to fight the virus. Though no HMPV cases have been reported in the State, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu convened a review meeting with officials of the Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department on Monday. Following the Chief Minister’s directive, Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav and Special Chief Secretary MT Krishna Babu have stepped efforts to combat HMPV. Director of Public Health K Padmavathi held a virtual meeting on Tuesday with PHC officials, DM&HOs, and programme officers to educate the public on precautionary steps need to be taken to protect themselves from HMPV. Krishna Babu directed the Director of Medical Education to set up 20-bed special wards in government hospitals to treat potential cases, and the hospital authorities have also started arranging special wards.