HMPV Alert: There is discussion everywhere about the HMVP (Human Metapneumovirus) virus that is causing a stir in China. Now some cases of this have come to light in India also. After which all the experts along with the Health Ministry have become alert. Special monitoring is being done regarding the cases related to this virus. On this, Delhi Medical Council Chairman and Senior Pediatrician Dr. Arun Gupta said that there is a need to worry about this. He said that looking at the cases of HMPV virus that have come to light in India, at present it can be said that there is no need to worry and there is no need to panic.
It is important to be careful
However, according to the doctor, infections caused by this virus have happened before and such cases have been reported earlier in every country. In India, these cases have been found during routine surveillance. Experts also say that there is no unexpected surge (rapid increase) in the cases of diseases with flu-like symptoms, hence it can be said that there is no need for such concern.
However, the doctor tells that the way precautions were taken during Corona, some such precautions can still be taken like wearing a mask, keeping a handkerchief on the nose while sneezing, washing hands thoroughly and avoiding crowded places for the time being.
Meeting regarding HMVP
According to the information, the Health Ministry called a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group in view of the increasing cases of virus in China. This meeting was organized under the chairmanship of DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In this meeting, all the experts from World Health Organization, Disaster Management Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, National Center for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research, Emergency Medical Relief Division and hospitals were involved.
It was decided in this meeting that the current situation in China is not unusual, as it is flu season. It was informed that reports show that the current increasing cases are due to influenza virus, RSV and HMPV, which are common pathogens in this season.
Constantly keeping an eye on China
Briefing after the meeting, the ministry said that the government is closely monitoring the situation in China through all available channels and WHO has also been requested to share timely updates about the situation in China. This virus has already been identified in countries around the world and many cases have been reported. In India, a robust surveillance for influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illness is already done through the ICMR and IDSP networks.
The data shows that there has been no unusual increase in ILI and SARI cases. Doctors at the hospitals have also confirmed that there has been no increase in cases of respiratory diseases in the last few weeks, except seasonal changes…
Preparation to deal with the virus
It was also told in the meeting that ICMR will increase the number of labs testing for HMPV and ICMR will keep an eye on the trends of HMPV throughout the year. Data from preparedness drills conducted recently across the country show that the country is well prepared to deal with any surge in respiratory diseases. According to the information given after this meeting, it was told that the health system and surveillance networks remain alert and ensure that the country is ready to respond immediately to any emerging health challenge.
Read this also – No travel history from China, yet where are HMPV cases coming from? Know what is the reason
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