New Delhi: In the aftermath of several reports suggesting a possible outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, following the confirmation of three cases in the country till Monday, the Union Health Secretary chaired a meeting with States/UTs to review the present situation of respiratory illnesses in India and the status of HMPV cases, along with public health measures for their management.
Chairing the high-level meeting, Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava emphasised that there is no cause for concern for the public regarding HMPV, which has been present globally since 2001. She reiterated that an increase in respiratory illnesses is usually seen during the winter months and that the country is well-prepared for any potential surge in cases.
During the virtual meeting, the top official advised states to strengthen and review ILI/SARI surveillance and enhance IEC and awareness among the population regarding the prevention of virus transmission with simple measures such as washing hands often with soap and water, avoiding touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, avoiding close contact with people exhibiting symptoms of the disease, and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
The meeting was attended by Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary (DHR); Dr (Prof.) Atul Goel, DGHS; Health Secretaries and officials of States, and experts from NCDC, IDSP, ICMR, NIV, and State Surveillance Units of IDSP.
In addition to this, last week a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting was held under the chairmanship of the DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Disaster Management (DM) Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, and hospitals, including AIIMS, Delhi, participated in the meeting.
After the meeting, Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services (DGHS), said, “HMPV is like any other respiratory virus that causes flu-like symptoms, mostly in the elderly and children,” adding that respiratory illnesses are common during winters and that hospitals in India are equipped to manage them.
“Special medicines are not needed because there are no antiviral drugs for this virus. There are no major cases in hospitals or as per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data,” he added.
A press note issued by the health ministry after the joint meeting stated, “The government is keeping a watch over the situation through all available channels, and the WHO has also been requested to share timely updates regarding the situation in China.”
So far, three cases of the HMPV virus have been reported in the country—two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat—all of them infants.
HMPV, a common respiratory virus previously reported in outbreaks in the U.S., Canada, and Europe during 2011-12, is known to cause flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and sore throat.
While the virus typically results in mild illness, it poses a higher risk of severe conditions, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis, in vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
