Centre Urges States To Tighten Surveillance On Respiratory Illnesses Following HMPV Rise

In response to the rising number of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, the Centre has urged States to enhance surveillance on respiratory illnesses.

As of Tuesday, seven HMPV cases reported across Karnataka (2), Gujarat (1), and Tamil Nadu (2), all involving children aged between 3 months and 13 years.

While chairing a meeting with States/UTs in a virtual mode, Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary stated, “States must strengthen and review the influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) surveillance.”

She highlighted that respiratory illnesses are common during the winter months and reassured the public that India can effectively handle any potential surge in cases.

“The country is well prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illness cases,” said the Health Secretary.

Punya Salila Srivastava asserted, “There is no cause of concern for the public from HMPV which has been present globally since 2001.”

Meeting To Review Respiratory Illnesses Situation

The meeting held to assess the current situation of respiratory illnesses in India, review the status of HMPV cases, and discuss public health measures in response to media reports of a rise in HMPV cases in China.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary (DHR); Dr. (Prof) Atul Goel, DGHS; Health Secretaries and officials from various states, along with experts from NCDC, IDSP, ICMR, NIV, and State Surveillance Units of IDSP, attended the meeting.

Srivastava noted that there has been no unusual increase in ILI/SARI cases across the country, as confirmed by data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR sentinel surveillance.

To prevent transmission of HMPV, the Health Secretary advised States to raise public awareness on simple measures such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

HMPV typically causes mild, self-limiting infections and most individuals recover without complications. The government has ensured adequate diagnostic facilities at ICMR-VRDL laboratories for effective testing and monitoring.

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