NEW DELHI, Jan 7: The Ministry of Health has instructed states to bolster and review their surveillance systems for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) in light of confirmed cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
On Monday, the Union Health Secretary assessed the current state of respiratory illnesses across the country and the effectiveness of public health measures in place.
Although there is no increase in respiratory illnesses nationwide, states have been urged to implement robust surveillance to identify these cases promptly.
“States are encouraged to raise public awareness about preventive strategies,” stated the health ministry.
During discussions, it was emphasized that data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) does not point to any abnormal increase in ILI or SARI instances in any region, a finding supported by data from ICMR sentinel surveillance.
The Health Secretary reassured that there is no need for public concern regarding HMPV, which has circulated globally since 2001.
She noted that respiratory illnesses typically see a rise during the winter months and assured that the country is prepared for any potential spike in cases.
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is among several respiratory viruses that primarily infect individuals during the colder winter and early spring periods. This virus usually causes mild, self-limiting infections, with most individuals recovering without complications.
“The availability of adequate diagnostic resources is confirmed at the ICMR-VRDL laboratories.”
States have been advised to promote preventive measures against the transmission of the virus, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding touching one’s face with unwashed hands, steering clear of close contact with symptomatic individuals, and covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
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