HMPV Cases Surge: 59 Reports from 11 States in January, Says Prataprao Jadhav
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Synopsis
In January 2023, India reported 59 cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) across 11 States/UTs, as announced by Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav. The government has activated monitoring measures and a public health response to manage the situation effectively.
Key Takeaways
- 59 HMPV cases reported from 11 States/UTs.
- PHEOC activated for HMPV monitoring.
- Robust surveillance systems in place.
- Public health drills conducted nationwide.
- Awareness campaigns on HMPV symptoms initiated.
New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) A total of 59 cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) -- a respiratory illness -- have been reported from 11 States/UTs in India, between January 6 and 29 this year, stated Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare on Friday.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today, Jadhav outlined the actions taken by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to monitor and control the spread of HMPV cases.
Jadhav mentioned that starting from January 6, the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) has been activated at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for ongoing observation of the HMPV situation.
The Minister of State noted that India already possesses “a solid surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza,” which operates through both the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) networks.
States and UTs were also instructed to remain vigilant and send respiratory samples of hospitalized SARI cases to designated Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) for testing and sequencing of positive samples.
Jadhav highlighted that data from IDSP “does not indicate any unusual rise in ILI/SARI cases anywhere in the country,” a finding that was “also supported by the ICMR’s sentinel surveillance data” with no such rise detected.
The government has also carried out a preparedness drill nationwide and “confirmed that the health system is sufficiently equipped to handle the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses,” said the Minister of State.
Furthermore, Jadhav stated that states were encouraged to promote public awareness through campaigns about the symptoms of the disease and preventive strategies against HMPV.
HMPV was first identified in 2001 and belongs to the Pneumoviridae family alongside RSV. Common symptoms associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
The Ministry recommended simple measures such as frequent handwashing with soap and water to prevent infection from the virus. The advisory also urged individuals to “avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; refrain from close contact with symptomatic individuals; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, etc.”
