Member Of District Vigilance Committee Writes To PCMC, Raises Alarm Over Rising HMPV Risk In Pimpri Chinchwad

Advocate Sagar Charan, a member of the district vigilance committee of the government of Maharashtra has raised an alarm over the increasing risk posed by the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Pimpri Chinchwad.

He wrote a letter to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner, highlighting that the PCMC should take immediate action to control the potential spread of the virus. The letter mentioned that, with the city’s population exceeding 2.5 lakh and being an industrial hub with constant migration, there should be guidelines issued by the PCMC for the preparedness and safety of the citizens.

This comes days after the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has heightened its preparedness and issued guidelines regarding the virus. The civic body has also promptly reserved a 50-bed isolation ward at the Naidu Infectious Disease Hospital.

Charan highlights risk of HMPV

Speaking to the Free Press Journal, Sagar Ratan Charan said, “So far, PCMC has not issued any guidelines, and therefore I wrote a letter notifying the authorities to take immediate action. We also requested to keep a separate ward with 100 beds, have medicine in place, and make masks compulsory. Also, students who have symptoms of cold and cough should stay at home and should be screened for the virus. This notice should be sent to all schools, colleges, and other institutions.”

Charan also highlighted that two cases of HMPV have been reported in Nashik, and many patients come to YCM Hospital and spit in public, which can lead to the spreading of the virus. “Therefore, authorities should mandate the use of masks, and suspected cases should be quarantined immediately, while severe cases must be isolated in dedicated wards,” he said.

“The health and well-being of Pimpri Chinchwad residents are of utmost importance,” said Advocate Charan. “The Municipal Corporation must act decisively to prevent this virus from becoming a larger public health threat. They should issue guidelines and make sure that the residents are abiding by the guidelines,” he added.

With the rising risk of HMPV and the absence of a vaccine or specific treatment, PCMC stands at a critical position.