At the Ministry of Health, vigilance is at its maximum. The human metapneumovirus is not as virulent as Covid-19, but widespread contamination can affect the healthcare system. This is explained by Dr Vasantrao Gujadhur, Senior Adviser, at the Ministry of Health. It discusses the surveillance put in place.
Unlike covid-19, cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) contamination will not be recorded. This is because this virus is not on the World Health Organization (WHO) monitoring list.
“We take a sample of ten patients per regional hospital who have symptoms associated with HMPV. These tests are done in the laboratory every week and this monitoring gives an idea of the extent of the situation,” explains Dr Vasantrao Gujadhur, the new Senior Adviser to Minister Anil Bachoo.
He specifies that the situation is currently not alarming in Mauritius and that we should not give in to panic. “This virus has been around for a long time. It was there in 2023 and 2024,” he says. On the other hand, vigilance is required for the public while the ministry is on alert with increased monitoring of the situation at several levels.
“First, we are closely following the recommendations of the action plan in place for several years on influenza-like illness. This includes the establishment of an isolation ward in each regional hospital for serious cases and this is already in place,” he adds.
Secondly, Dr V. Gujadhur makes it clear that there is sentinel surveillance aimed at carrying out random screenings to find out if there is an increase in cases. Third, there is the mobilization of the Communicable Disease Control Unit. This brings together information from all health organizations on a weekly basis. National monitoring is thus possible. “Finally, we stepped up our surveillance at the port and the airport. Health inspectors mainly monitor passengers who come from high-risk countries: China, India and Europe,” he says.
Pressure on the system
HMPV, while generally benign to healthy people, does not pose a major threat on its own. However, the ministry’s vigilance can be explained by the potential implications of an increase in cases. “If a large number of people are affected simultaneously, there will be pressure on the health system. There will be more consultations, hospitalizations and needs for medical resources,” he observes.
Such a situation could disrupt the functioning of hospitals. “It would reduce the ministry’s capacity to respond effectively to other pathologies, whether chronic diseases, serious infectious pathologies or medical emergencies. This vigilance is therefore essential to anticipate and avoid a domino effect which could compromise the fragile balance of the health system. »
Symptomatic treatment
As for symptoms, it is a common respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages. In healthy individuals, symptoms are often mild to moderate and resemble those of a cold or flu. These symptoms include dry cough, nasal congestion, low-grade fever and sore throat, and general fatigue.
“In the majority of cases, the symptoms disappear after a few days and the patient recovers without complications,” explains the doctor. He adds that symptoms may be a little more severe in vulnerable populations.
-In young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, HMPV can cause more serious complications. Their breathing may be wheezing. They may have difficulty breathing (dyspnea), a persistent cough, high fever, or dehydration due to eating disorders or loss of appetite.
In severe cases, the virus can cause lower respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. This sometimes requires hospitalization, particularly for young children or immunocompromised people.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment against HMPV. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and aims to relieve symptoms.
“Rest and good hydration will allow the body to recover more quickly and the doctor will prescribe medication according to the symptoms to reduce fever and relieve pain. And in the event of more serious consequences, the treatment will be adapted,” he specifies. But the risk of complications is low. “With HMPV, less than 5% of patients will have severe symptoms and the fatality rate is minimal. »
Barrier gestures
Prevention is based on good hygiene. You should wash your hands regularly and avoid contact with sick people. A balanced diet strengthens immunity. Vaccination against related respiratory infections, such as influenza, is recommended. And to avoid any contamination, barrier gestures must be adopted and respected, just as was the case during the covid-19 pandemic.
“We are not at a stage where you have to wear the mask all the time, but we recommend wearing it when you go to crowded places,” says Dr. V. Gujadhur. Sick people who have flu symptoms should be extra vigilant so that the viruses do not spread.
“Prevention is the most important aspect at the moment. We raise public awareness through effective communication,” he continues. In recent days, the ministry has launched a communication and awareness campaign on means of prevention. A clip is broadcast regularly on television.
Back to school: no need to panic
Dr V. Gujadhur appeals: there is no need to panic. The start of the school year must be normal, “parents should not be afraid. Children only go away when they are sick,” he advises. When you have flu symptoms, you just need to take care of yourself and limit the spread of the virus. “We go to the health center closest to our home and follow our treatment,” he recommends.
The WHO wants to be reassuring
Cases are increasing in China, but the situation is not alarming, according to the WHO. The organization’s last press conference dates back to Tuesday January 7. “There has been an increase in a number of common respiratory infections in the country, as would be expected during winter,” said Dr Margaret Harris, WHO spokesperson. But reported levels of respiratory infections are “within the usual range for the winter season”. According to the WHO, “the hospital utilization rate in Beijing is currently lower than this time last year. There was no declaration of emergency.”
