Union Health Ministry on HMPV cases in China
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New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has convened a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group on Saturday in view of the increase in cases of respiratory diseases in China witnessed in recent weeks. In an official statement, the ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation using all available means and also requested the World Health Organization (SGD) to provide regular updates.
He said the situation in China was not “unusual” given the current flu season. Reports also suggest that the current increase is caused by the influenza virus, RSV and HMPV – pathogens expected during this period, according to the release.
“The government is closely monitoring the situation through all available channels and has also requested WHO to share timely updates regarding the situation in China,” the statement added.
“These viruses are already circulating around the world, including India,” the statement said.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and saw the participation of experts from WHO, the Disaster Management Cell, the Integrated Surveillance Program of Diseases, National Center for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research, Emergency Medical Aid Division and hospitals including AIIMS Delhi.
-They agreed on the following points:
- A robust surveillance system for influenza-like respiratory illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) is already in place in India through the ICMR and IDSP networks, and data from both indicate that it is not there is no unusual increase in ILI and SARI cases. .
- Hospital doctors also confirmed that there has been no increase in cases of respiratory illnesses in recent weeks, apart from the expected seasonal variation.
- The ICMR network also conducts tests for other respiratory viruses such as adenovirus, RSV, HMPV, etc., and these pathogens also do not show any unusual increase in the tested samples. As a preventive measure, the number of laboratories conducting tests for HMPV will be increased by the ICMR, which will monitor the trends of HMPV throughout the year.
- Data from the recent nationwide preparedness exercise indicates that the country is well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses.
It was clarified that health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring that the country is ready to respond quickly to any emerging health challenges.
Videos and photos of Chinese hospitals crowded with patients due to rising cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV — a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms — have garnered much attention. Following this, Beijing called it an annual winter event, adding that it does not represent a serious health problem like COVID-19.
This situation reminds us of the importance of careful health surveillance, particularly during seasons prone to epidemics. The systems put in place make it possible not only to respond to emergencies, but also to anticipate emerging needs, a gesture which deserves to be applauded. So, what would be the next steps to ensure strong and proactive public health?
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