Union Health Secretary Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava held a virtual meeting with representatives from States and Union Territories to assess the current situation of respiratory illnesses in India, including the status of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases. The meeting followed reports of an HMPV surge in China and aimed to ensure robust public health measures for effective management.

Participants included senior officials like Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary (DHR); Dr. Atul Goel, DGHS; health secretaries of states, and experts from NCDC, IDSP, ICMR, NIV, and State Surveillance Units under IDSP.

No Unusual Rise Detected in India

The Union Health Secretary highlighted that data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR’s sentinel surveillance show no unusual increase in Influenza-like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) cases across the country. She emphasized that there is no cause for public alarm regarding HMPV, which has been globally present since 2001 and is typically mild and self-limiting.

Strengthening Surveillance and Awareness

Ms. Srivastava urged states to strengthen and review ILI/SARI surveillance to ensure early detection and effective management of respiratory illnesses. She also reiterated the need for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns to educate the public about preventive measures, including:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water.

• Avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals.

• Covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

• Avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands.

Winter Respiratory Illness Trends

Acknowledging the seasonal rise in respiratory illnesses during winter, the Union Health Secretary assured the country’s preparedness to handle any potential surge. She noted that adequate diagnostic facilities for HMPV are already available at ICMR-VRDL laboratories.

About HMPV

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus known to cause mild infections in people of all ages, particularly during the winter and early spring. Most cases resolve on their own without complications, underscoring the importance of maintaining preventive hygiene practices.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to ensure public safety and the effective management of respiratory illnesses in the country.