A lawyer has petitioned the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court for urgent action regarding rising Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Maharashtra. Advocate Shreerang Bhandarkar emphasized the need for proactive public health measures similar to those during the COVID-19 pandemic, urging enhanced surveillance, task force establishment, and public awareness campaigns. The court will hear the plea on January 10.
Nagpur: A lawyer has moved the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, calling for immediate action from the Maharashtra government to address concerns over the rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Advocate Shreerang Bhandarkar filed the plea on Tuesday (Jan 7th), emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive measures in light of the global and regional rise in HMPV cases. The high court is expected to hear the application on January 10.
In his submission, Bhandarkar pointed out that the court had previously taken suo motu cognisance of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, issuing critical directions to the state government. He urged the court to adopt a similar approach to tackle the emerging health threat posed by HMPV.
“The recent increase in reported cases of HMPV underscores the need for vigilance, preparedness and proactive public health measures,”
the application stated.
Bhandarkar’s application urged the high court to:
- Direct the state health department to strengthen HMPV surveillance, testing, and reporting mechanisms.
- Establish a task force dedicated to addressing emerging respiratory viruses, including HMPV.
- Launch public awareness campaigns highlighting HMPV symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures.
The plea drew parallels to the high court’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it had passed significant directives to safeguard public health.
There are currently seven confirmed cases of HMPV reported across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. While these numbers remain low, Bhandarkar stressed the importance of early intervention to prevent a larger outbreak.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illnesses, particularly in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Early detection and preventive measures are key to controlling its spread.
The court’s decision on January 10 will likely determine the course of Maharashtra’s response to HMPV concerns. If proactive measures are implemented, it could serve as a model for other states to follow.
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