Amid the worsening condition of China due to the outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus, the Health Ministry on Saturday stated China’s situation not to be unusual and assured India’s preparedness against the virus.
Under the Chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting was held on Saturday. The meeting was attended by experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Disaster Management (DM) Cell, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, and hospitals, including AIIMS, Delhi participated in the meeting.
Following a detailed discussion, the Health Ministry credited flu season to be the primary reason for China’s situation. It mentioned that the season has led to a surge in the usual pathogens including Influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV,) and HMPV. It mentioned the ordinary circulation of these viruses all over the world and in India.
It highlighted the stagnation of the respiratory illness cases in the country apart from the usual expected seasonal variations. In the event of a surge of cases, it underscored India’s preparedness to deal with the circumstances.
It stated that ICMR and IDSP networks are already indulged in a robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza along with other viruses such as Adenovirus, RSV, HMPV, etc., and have not witnessed any unusual surge.
Despite no surges in the cases, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV will be enhanced by ICMR to be prepared for any unprecedented situation. Further, ICMR has been accredited with monitoring trends of HMPV for the entire year.
