No Cause of Concern over HMPV: Union Govt
Moneylife Digital Team 07 January 2025
Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has emphasised that there is no cause for concern for the public from the human metapneumovirus – HMPV. 
 
During a virtual meeting with states and Union Territories (UTs), the health secretary reviewed the present situation of respiratory illnesses in India, the status of the HMPV cases and the public health measures for their management. 
 
The secretary advised the states to strengthen and review the surveillance of Influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). She reiterated that an increase in respiratory illnesses is usually seen during the winter months and assured that the country is well prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illness cases.
 
The states have also been advised to enhance information, education, and communication—IEC as well as awareness among the population regarding the prevention of virus transmission.
 
The Union ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) also came out with a public advisory to help dispel myth and panic around the virus. MoHFW has emphasised that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. 
 
Furthermore, based on current data from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the integrated disease surveillance programme (IDSP) network, MoHFW says there has been no unusual surge in ILI or SARI cases in the country and there is no reason for dread or panic.
 
For now, the general public has been advised to:
Wear a mask in public places
Avoid going to public spaces if symptomatic
Cover mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing
Limit contact with sick individuals
Not reuse linen, tissues or handkerchiefs
Frequently wash hands with soap and water
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