New Delhi: The Centre government has advised states to enhance surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), following the detection of five cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India. Authorities have also been urged to raise awareness about preventing the spread of HMPV.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a virtual meeting on Monday with representatives from states and union territories to review the current status of respiratory illnesses and HMPV cases, as well as public health measures for their management, according to a statement from the health ministry.
HMPV is among several respiratory viruses that can affect individuals of all ages, particularly during winter and early spring. In most cases, the infection is mild and self-limiting, with patients typically recovering without medical intervention.
This comes after rising HMPV cases in China and on the same day that five cases were confirmed in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.
