Amid the detection of cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the Centre has advised States to step up surveillance for respiratory illnesses including ILI and SARI to tackle any exigency, and create awareness about the prevention of transmission of the pathogen which is fast spreading in China.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Monday chaired a virtual meeting with states and union territories to take stock of respiratory illnesses and HMPV cases in the country and public health measures for their management, a health ministry statement said. However, the Centre has not issued any advisory yet.

The Union Health Secretary said  that there is no cause of concern for the public as HMPV has been present globally since 2001, the statement said, adding that States have been asked to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance. “The States have been advised to enhance information, education and communication (IEC) and awareness among people regarding the prevention of transmission of the virus with simple measures such as washing hands often with soap and water; not touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; avoiding close contact with people exhibiting symptoms of the disease; and covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing,” said the statement.

HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus. It is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in people of all age groups.

During the meeting, it was noted that the IDSP data does not indicate any unusual rise in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illnesses (SARI) cases anywhere in the country. All the detected patients don’t have any foreign travel history, suggesting that the virus is indigenous,

This is also corroborated by the ICMR sentinel surveillance data, it said. Srivastava reiterated that an increase in respiratory illnesses is usually seen during the winter months and that the country is well prepared for any potential surge in such cases, the statement said.

Former chief scientist with the WHO, Soumya Swaminathan said on X platform that the virus “is nothing to panic about. It’s a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild. Rather than jump at detection of every pathogen, we should all take normal precautions when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash hands, avoid crowds, consult a doctor if there are severe symptoms.” No deaths reported in India so far, she added.

HMPV is one of the many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages, particularly during the winter and early spring months. The virus infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most patients recover on their own.

The meeting convened by the Union Health Secretary was attended by Health Research Department Secretary Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of Health Services Dr Atul Goel, experts from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, (IDSP), Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Virology (NIV) and State Surveillance Units of IDSP, said the statement.