New Delhi [India], January 7: Amid rising concerns over Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava held a review meeting to assess the current status of respiratory illnesses and the measures in place to manage them.
During the meeting, Srivastava assured the public that there was no cause for concern regarding HMPV, which has been present globally since 2001. She also urged state governments to enhance public awareness on preventive measures and strengthen surveillance for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI).
So far, five cases of HMPV have been reported in India, with two in Bengaluru, one in Ahmedabad, and two suspected cases in Nagpur.
The virtual meeting, chaired by Union Health Secretary Srivastava, also involved state health officials, experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and other agencies. It was confirmed that data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR sentinel surveillance does not show any unusual rise in ILI/SARI cases nationwide.
Srivastava emphasized that HMPV is one of many respiratory viruses, typically causing mild and self-limiting infections, and that most cases recover without medical intervention. The public was reassured that the country is well-prepared to handle any potential surge in respiratory illnesses.
Authorities have advised states to boost information, education, and communication (IEC) efforts to prevent the virus’s transmission, recommending simple measures like frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.