As reports of rising Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China surface, the Indian government has assured its citizens that the country is well-prepared to manage respiratory illnesses. According to a recent statement, there is no unusual surge in such cases within India.
During a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) under the chairmanship of the Director-General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, experts discussed the spread of respiratory illnesses in China. They noted that the situation there is not unusual given the ongoing flu season. The current surge is attributed to common seasonal pathogens like the influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and HMPV.
India’s government is vigilantly monitoring the situation through all available channels and has requested timely updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO). A robust surveillance system for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) is already in place through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) networks. Data from these sources indicate no unusual increase in ILI and SARI cases.
Physicians from hospitals across India have confirmed that there has been no unexpected surge in respiratory illness cases recently, aside from the usual seasonal variations. Data from a recent preparedness drill also show that India is well-prepared to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses.
The ICMR network tests for other respiratory viruses such as Adenovirus, RSV, and HMPV, with results indicating no unusual rise in these pathogens. As a precaution, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV will be increased by ICMR, which will monitor HMPV trends throughout the year.
The Indian government is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its citizens, remaining well-equipped and vigilant against respiratory illnesses.
