Kolkata/Howrah: There was no immediate cause for concern about human metapneumovirus (HMPV), said chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday, allaying fears among people about the virus spread.
"There is no reason to worry. If there is indeed a reason to worry, we will inform you about it," said Banerjee at Dumurjala Stadium in Howrah upon her return from Gangasagar. She pointed out the administration had already taken measures against the spread of the virus. "The chief secretary attended a meeting from Gangasagar on Monday and held another meeting on Tuesday to review the situation. This is not something serious. As far as we know, there is nothing to panic about," she added.
The CM spoke about some private hospitals' tendency to charge high amounts by fear-mongering. "Some private groups are trying to make money by scaring people even if they have a slight fever. They are trying to turn a natural situation unnatural. Under my Sathya Sathi, no one takes more than Rs 2lakh-Rs 3 lakh in a year unless it's necessary," she said.