Centre Reviews Respiratory Illness Trends; No HMPV Surge Detected

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Jan. Amid concerns about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases and respiratory illnesses, Union Health Secretary Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava held a virtual review meeting with state and union territory health officials. The meeting assessed the current respiratory illness situation and public health measures for HMPV management.

The review, attended by senior health officials, including Dr. Rajiv Bahl (Secretary, DHR), Dr. Atul Goel (DGHS), and experts from NCDC, IDSP, ICMR, and NIV, concluded that there is no unusual rise in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases across the country. Data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR corroborated these findings.

1. No Cause for Public Concern:
   HMPV has been globally present since 2001 and is typically a mild, self-limiting condition. The infection primarily affects people during winter and early spring, with most cases recovering without complications.
2. Strengthened Surveillance:
   States were directed to review and enhance ILI/SARI surveillance systems to ensure early detection and response.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns:
   States were advised to educate the public on preventive measures such as regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and practicing respiratory hygiene.
4. Diagnostic Preparedness:
   The ICMR-VRDL laboratories are equipped with adequate diagnostic facilities to manage HMPV and other respiratory infections.

The Union Health Secretary emphasized that the seasonal rise in respiratory illnesses is common during winter months and assured that India is well-prepared to handle any potential surge.

The government continues to monitor the situation closely and urges citizens to follow basic hygiene practices to prevent respiratory infections.