In a virtual meeting chaired by Union Health Secretary Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, officials from various States and Union Territories convened to discuss the current landscape of respiratory illnesses in India, particularly in light of recent media reports regarding a rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China.
During the discussions, it was emphasized that data from the IDSP does not show any significant increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases across the country, a finding supported by ICMR’s sentinel surveillance data.
States were advised to boost information, education, and communication (IEC) efforts to raise public awareness about preventive measures against the virus. Recommended practices include frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding contact with the face using unwashed hands, steering clear of close contact with symptomatic individuals, and covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
Ms. Srivastava reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern regarding HMPV, which has been recognized globally since 2001. She urged states to enhance their surveillance of ILI and SARI cases and noted that respiratory illnesses typically see a rise during the winter months.
She also highlighted that the country is adequately prepared to handle any potential increase in respiratory illness cases. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is among several respiratory viruses that can infect individuals of all ages, particularly during the winter and early spring.
Generally, HMPV infections are mild and self-limiting, with most individuals recovering without the need for medical intervention. The meeting also confirmed that sufficient diagnostic resources are available through ICMR’s Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL).
The meeting included participation from Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research; Dr. (Prof) Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services; as well as health secretaries and representatives from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Virology (NIV), and State Surveillance Units.
