India Adequately Equipped to Manage HMPV, Surveillance Indicates No Significant Surge: Government
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New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) India is adequately equipped to manage respiratory illnesses, and surveillance indicates no significant surge in the nation, according to the government. This comes as reports highlight a rise in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China over the last few weeks.
During a joint monitoring group (JMG) meeting chaired by the DGHS of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, experts engaged in detailed discussions concerning the spread of respiratory ailments in China.
They noted that the current situation in China is not alarming considering the ongoing flu season.
Reports suggest that the recent upsurge is attributed to the influenza virus, RSV, and HMPV, which are typical pathogens expected during this time of year.
The government stated it is closely monitoring the situation through all available channels, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been asked to provide timely updates about the circumstances in China.
An effective surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) is already operational in India through the ICMR and IDSP networks. Data from these sources show no significant increase in ILI and SARI cases.
Healthcare professionals from various hospitals have also confirmed that there has been no surge in respiratory illness cases in recent weeks, aside from the expected seasonal fluctuations.
Information from a recent preparedness drill indicates that the nation is ready to address any rise in respiratory illnesses.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) network also conducts tests for other respiratory viruses, including Adenovirus, RSV, and HMPV, and these pathogens do not exhibit an unusual increase in the tested samples.
As a precautionary step, the number of laboratories conducting tests for HMPV will be increased by ICMR, and they will monitor HMPV trends throughout the year, according to the health ministry.
