No cause for concern from HMPV: Union Health Ministry

After a meeting with health secretaries of all states, the Union Health Ministry reiterated on Tuesday that there is no cause for concern from human metapneumovirus (HMPV) which has been present globally since 2001.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a meeting with the states in a virtual mode to review the situation of respiratory illnesses in India and the status regarding the HMPV cases following reports of surge in HMPV cases in China, and the public health measures for their management.

During the meeting, it was reiterated that the data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) does not indicate any unusual rise in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases anywhere in the country. This is also corroborated by the ICMR surveillance data, officials from the ministry said.

Srivastava emphasised there was no cause for concern for the public from HMPV which has been present globally since 2001. She advised states to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance.

Health ministry officials said an increase in respiratory illnesses was usually seen during winter months. 

“HMPV is one of the many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages, particularly during the winter and early spring months. The virus infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most cases recover on their own. It was informed that adequate diagnostic facilities are available with the ICMR-VRDL laboratories,” the health ministry said in a statement. 

The states in the meeting were advised to enhance surveillance and awareness among the population regarding prevention of transmission of the virus with measures such as washing hands with soap and water and avoiding touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. They were also advised to cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.