Agartala, January 08, 2024: The Tripura government, following directives from the Government of India, has intensified monitoring of patients presenting with respiratory illnesses in hospitals, amid concerns over the HMPV virus outbreak in China. A senior health department official confirmed the development.

“The Government of India is set to release a nationwide guideline, which will be implemented across all states,” the official said. “A video conference was held yesterday with representatives from all states in attendance. States have been instructed to remain vigilant and closely monitor symptomatic patients. Any detected cases must be reported immediately to the central government. However, the central government has advised against creating panic,” he added.

The official further added that the nationwide guidelines, including a list of dos and don’ts, will be issued soon. “Currently, we are maintaining surveillance of symptomatic patients, and no cases have been reported in our state so far. The Health Secretary of the Government of India has assured all states to stay calm while ensuring close monitoring and timely reporting of any suspected cases,” the official stated.

The Tripura health department remains on alert as it awaits further instructions from the central authorities.