HMPV Alert: PMC Awaits Guidelines for Pune Airport Passenger Screening
Pune, 8th January 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has raised its alert level following the detection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases across the country. However, passenger screening at Pune Airport has not yet begun, as the PMC awaits directives from the central and state governments.
The outbreak of HMPV in China has spread to various states in India. Recently, an eight-month-old girl in Bengaluru and several patients in Nagpur, Maharashtra, were diagnosed with the virus. Health systems nationwide are on alert, and concerns have grown over the potential spread of the virus through air travel.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, PMC’s health department proactively screened passengers at the airport, referring suspected cases directly to Naidu Hospital for further examination.
Assistant Health Chief Dr. Vaishali Jadhav addressed the situation, stating, “There are no guidelines yet from the central and state governments regarding passenger screening at the airport. Without these directives, the Municipal Corporation cannot initiate health screenings. Once we receive instructions from the government, we will act promptly.”
With flights arriving in Pune from Bengaluru and Nagpur, where HMPV cases have already been reported, public health experts emphasize the need for swift action to prevent the virus from gaining a foothold in the city.
The PMC remains on standby, ready to implement airport screenings once official guidelines are issued. Meanwhile, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures to minimize the risk of infection.
