Understanding HMPV
time as the situation remains under control .”
Policymakers keep a tab on the situation
On January 07 , 2025 , the Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava reviewed situation of respiratory illnesses in the country , and status of public health measures for their management . The meeting was attended by Dr Rajiv Bahl ,
World Health organization ( WHO ), the Disaster Management ( DM ) Cell , Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme ( IDSP ), National Centre for Disease Control ( NCDC ), Indian Council of Medical Research ( ICMR ), Emergency Medical Relief ( EMR ) Division , and hospitals , including AIIMS , Delhi participated in the meeting .
A robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness ( ILI ) and Severe
Understanding HMPV
Human Metapneumovirus ( HMPV ) is a respiratory virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family , the same family as respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) and parainfluenza viruses . It was first discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands but has likely been circulating globally for decades . It spreads through respiratory droplets ( coughing , sneezing ) and contact with contaminated surfaces .
Secretary ( DHR ); Dr ( Prof ) Atul Goel , DGHS ; Health Secretaries and officials of States , experts from NCDC , IDSP , ICMR , NIV and State Surveillance Units of IDSP . It was informed that adequate diagnostic facilities are available with the ICMR-VRDL laboratories . States were advised to strengthen awareness among masses regarding preventive measures States advised to strengthen and review the ILI / SARI surveillance
A Joint Monitoring Group ( JMG ) meeting was held under the Chairmanship of DGHS , Ministry of Health and Family Welfare , on January 04 , 2025 . Experts from the
Acute Respiratory Illness ( SARI ) for Influenza is already in place in India through both ICMR and IDSP networks and the data from both indicates no unusual surge in ILI & SARI cases . ICMR network also tests for other respiratory viruses such as Adenovirus , RSV , HMPV etc . and these pathogens also do not show an unusual increase in the tested samples . As a precautionary measure , the number of laboratories testing for HMPV will be enhanced by ICMR , and ICMR will be monitoring trends of HMPV for the entire year .
The cases were identified through routine surveillance of the Indian heathtech
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