Union Health Minister Confirms 59 HMPV Cases Across 11 States in January

59 cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported from 11 states and union territories of India between January 6 and 29. HMPV disease is a respiratory disease. This information was given by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav on Friday, February 7. Prataprao Jadhav said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that the government has taken several steps to monitor the virus and prevent its spread.

Jadhav, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, said the country already has a robust surveillance system that keeps a watch on flu-like illnesses and severe respiratory illnesses (SARI). It works under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). "Since January 6, the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre at the National Centre for Disease Control has been activated, which is regularly monitoring the cases of HMPV. "

"As per IDSP data, no unusual increase in ILI and SARI cases has been observed in the country. This has also been confirmed by ICMR monitoring. The government also conducted a preparatory drill across the country, ensuring that the health system is fully prepared to deal with seasonal respiratory illnesses. Further, States have been advised to undertake awareness campaigns about symptoms and prevention methods of HMPV. "

Simple measures to avoid infection have been suggested by the Ministry of Health, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, not touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, avoiding going near the infected person, covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, etc.