'HMPV Surveillance Shows No Unusual Surge In India:' Govt Seeks Timely Updates On Cases In China From WHO

The causes behind the current surge in cases pertaining to respiratory illnesses are influenza virus, RSV and HMPV and this is not unusual this time of year," Reports global health experts.

India has increased surveillance measures following reports of surge in cases pertaining to HMPV in China. HMPV or Human Metapneumovirus is not a new virus and has been circulating in India for the last ten years. However, amid rising cases in China which was swiftly followed by overcrowded and overwhelmed hospitals, India too decided to take cognizance of the situation. The Indian government and health ministry have clearly stated that India has not reported any spike in cases yet and that the virus is being closely monitored. A Joint Monitoring Group was convened on Saturday to deliberate on the crisis at hand.

Joint Monitoring Group Meeting Convened By DG

A Joint Monitoring Group was convened under the chairmanship of the DG of health services on Saturday to monitor the situation. This meeting was attended by experts from World Health Organisation (WHO), Disaster Management Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, National Centre for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and hospitals including AIIMS, Delhi. Take a look at the deliberations:

1. Closely monitor the cases.
2. Deliberate on current status of neighbouring countries.
3. Deliberate on the need for preparedness in India.
4. They found out that the cause of the present surge in cases in China is influenza virus, RSV and HMPV.
5. These are usual pathogens which affect people this time of year and it is not unusual.
6. These viruses are already present in countries.

The experts agreed on the fact that this is indeed flu season and that spike in respiratory illnesses is not unusual this time of year.

Ministry Of Health Issues Statement On X

The Union Health Ministry of India tweeted on X saying, "Union Health Ministry convenes Joint Monitoring Group Meeting in view of rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China in the past few weeks Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in China through all available channels and the @WHO has been requested to share timely updates regarding the situation. India well-prepared to handle Respiratory Illnesses, Surveillance shows no unusual surge."

"Give Timely Information On Outbreak," India Insists WHO

In a statemnet on X, the Union Health Ministry has also requested the World Health Organisation to keep India updated on the cases in China. Currently, India is closely monitoring the situation in China through all available channels, as per reports.

What Is Human Metapneumovirus Or HMPV?

HMPV stands for Human Metapneumovirus, a respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe respiratory infections, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. Its main symptoms are: Cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. If the illness gets worse, it could cause respiratory problems.