NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday directed states/UTs to monitor respiratory illnesses, even as it played down the threat posed by Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
In a meeting called to review the present situation of respiratory illnesses in the country and the status regarding the HMPV cases following media reports of surge in HMPV cases in China, Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said there is no cause of concern for the public from HMPV which has been present globally since 2001.
On Monday, seven cases of HMPV infection were reported from various states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. The health secretary said HMPV is one of the many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages particularly during winter and early spring. The viral infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition, and most cases recover on their own, she said.
Srivastava advised the states to enhance awareness among the population regarding prevention of transmission of the virus with simple measures such as washing hands often with soap and water; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are exhibiting symptoms of the disease; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing etc.
The health secretary also said data from IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme) does not indicate any unusual rise in influenza-like-illness or severe acute respiratory infections cases anywhere in the country. “This is also corroborated by the ICMR sentinel surveillance data,” she said.
Health minister J P Nadda has also allayed concerns about a surge in respiratory illnesses due to HMPV.
