No surge in respiratory illnesses says Union Health Ministry; advises States to strengthen awareness on HMPV

No surge in respiratory illnesses says Union Health Ministry; advises States to strengthen awareness on HMPV

States across India have been advised to strengthen awareness among masses regarding preventive measures against the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) while also advising that Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) surveillance be strengthened.

The direction were issued following a virtual meeting of chaired by Union Health Ministry Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava recently with States and Union Territories to review the present situation of respiratory illnesses in India and the status regarding the HMPV cases following media reports of surge in HMPV cases in China, and the public health measures for their management. The meeting was attended by senior health ministry officials.

During the meeting, it was reiterated that the data collected so far does not indicate any unusual rise in ILI/SARI cases anywhere in the country.

Union Health Secretary emphasised that there is no cause of concern for the public from HMPV which has been present globally since 2001. She advised states to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance. The Ministry reiterated that an increase in respiratory illnesses is usually seen during the winter months while adding that the country is well prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illness cases.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is one of the many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages particularly during the winter and early spring months. The virus infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most cases recover on their own. It was informed that adequate diagnostic facilities are available with the ICMR-VRDL laboratories.

The States were advised to enhance awareness among the population regarding prevention of transmission of the virus with simple measures such as washing hands often with soap and water; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are exhibiting symptoms of the disease; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing etc.Speaking about the virus Mayank Saxena, additional director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Noida said that HMPV is an old virus. “Till now there are no life threatening cases of HMPV.’’