HMPV cases: No unusual spike in respiratory infections, says Health Ministry

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New Delhi, January 7

The Health Ministry on Monday said that no unusual rise in influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) across India. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a virtual meeting with states and union territories to assess respiratory illness trends and the status of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases amid reports of a surge in China, the health ministry said on Monday.The meeting, attended by senior health officials, including Dr. Rajiv Bahl and Dr. Atul Goel, reviewed data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Srivastava emphasized there was no public health concern from HMPV, a globally known virus since 2001, and reiterated that respiratory illnesses typically rise in winter. States were advised to bolster ILI/SARI surveillance and promote public awareness on prevention, including handwashing and hygiene practices. HMPV is a mild respiratory infection that generally resolves without medical intervention. Officials assured that diagnostic facilities are available at ICMR laboratories nationwide, and India is prepared to manage any potential surge in cases.