Virus Prevention: Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava held a virtual meeting with the States/UTs on Monday (January 6) in which she shared the current situation of respiratory diseases in India and the rise in cases of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) in China. Public health measures reviewed. The meeting was attended by Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary (DHR); Dr. (Prof.) Atul Goyal, DGHS; Health secretaries of states, experts from NCDC, IDSP, ICMR, NIV and state surveillance units participated.
During the meeting, it was clarified that IDSP (Influenza-Like Illness and Severe Respiratory Infection) data did not show any unusual increase in HMPV or ILI/SARI cases in any part of the country. Besides, ICMR’s sentinel monitoring data was also in support of this. The Union Health Secretary said that HMPV which is present globally since 2001. There is no matter of concern related to this. Apart from this, he advised the states to strengthen and review ILI/SARI surveillance.
Increase in respiratory diseases in winter
The Health Secretary also said that an increase in cases of respiratory diseases is usually seen during winter. He made it clear that the country is fully prepared to deal with any possible wave of respiratory diseases at this time. HMPV is a common respiratory virus that can cause infection in people of all ages, especially during the winter and early spring months.
Advice to states to increase awareness
The Union Health Secretary also advised the states to promote measures to increase public awareness to prevent the spread of the virus. He also talked about simple measures like washing hands frequently with soap and water, not touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, avoiding close contact with persons showing symptoms of the disease, and covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Instructed to spread awareness among the people. Along with this, it was also told that adequate diagnostic facilities are available in ICMR-VRDL labs so that there will be no problem in identifying virus cases.
The Union Health Ministry confirmed that the country is fully prepared to deal with the threat of increasing respiratory diseases at this time. The government has given appropriate guidelines to all the states in this direction so that any possible crisis can be dealt with well in advance and public health remains safe.
