Spread of HMPV: the government assures that the situation in China is not exceptional.

Indian Health Ministry examines rise in HMPV cases in China

Agency Reporter / NEW DELHI

The Minister of Health on Saturday called on the population to remain calm amid concerns over the supposed spread of HMPV (human metapneumonic virus) in China, assuring that India is “well prepared” to manage respiratory diseases and that the situation in China is “normal”.

The Union Health Ministry has convened a joint monitoring group due to the increase in cases of respiratory diseases in China in recent weeks. The meeting, chaired by the Director General of Health Services in New Delhi, took place this Saturday.

Experts from World Health Organization, Disaster Management Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Program, National Center for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research, Emergency Medical Relief Division and hospitals took part in this meeting. After extensive discussions and based on available information, it was agreed that the situation in China is not unusual given the current influenza season.

The Ministry said in a statement that it is closely monitoring the situation in China by all means at its disposal, also requesting the World Health Organization to provide regular updates on the situation.

These viruses are already circulating globally, including in India. A robust surveillance system for influenza-like respiratory illnesses and severe acute respiratory illnesses is already in place in India. Hospital doctors also confirmed that there was no increase in cases of respiratory illnesses in recent weeks, apart from the expected seasonal variation.

However, the central government clarified that it is closely monitoring the situation through all available channels, adding that it has also asked the world health body to provide regular updates on the situation in China. “These viruses are already circulating globally, including in India,” he said.

Further, the Center reiterated that India already has an effective surveillance system for influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) and influenza-related severe acute respiratory illnesses (SARIs). He noted that data from the ICMR and IDSP networks do not show any unusual increase in the number of ILI and SARI cases.

Good to know

• HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause respiratory infections, particularly in young children and the elderly.
• Flu season can cause a temporary increase in respiratory illnesses, affecting various countries simultaneously.
• India continues to maintain vigilance on respiratory diseases, with surveillance protocols in place for several years.

It is essential to stay informed about developments in respiratory diseases, especially in a context where epidemics can occur at any time. Discussing public health recommendations and the preparedness of health care systems can help to better anticipate and manage these situations.

• Source image(s) : theindianawaaz.com
• Source : https://theindianawaaz.com/on-hmpv-spread-govt-says-situation-in-china-is-not-unusual/