In a video message, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said that India’s health systems and surveillance networks are vigilant to ensure a prompt response to any emerging health challenges due to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
On Monday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured to calm concerns that Human Metapneumovirus, the reason behind increasing flu cases across India, was no new virus and requested fellow citizens not to panic. He clarified that the virus has existed across the globe since 2001, so people need not fear it.
Responding to the increasing fears and social media chatter on the virus, Nadda released a video message in which he reassured the public that the government is monitoring the situation closely and taking necessary measures to protect public health.
According to health experts, HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating worldwide for many years. HMPV spreads in the air through respiration and affects people of any age group. According to JP Nadda, the virus is more prevalent in the winter and early spring months.
Nadda released the statement after at least five HMPV cases were reported nationwide. Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported from Tamil Nadu. Besides, three infants from Karnataka and Gujarat returned positive for the HMPV virus. To dispel fears, the senior BJP leader added that the Centre’s Health Ministry was fully competent to deal with any possible spike in respiratory disease.
HMPV is a globally recognized respiratory virus that recently gained immense attention after an outbreak in China. The viral pathogen is known to cause respiratory infections across all age groups.
Further in his address, the Union Health Minister noted that a review of respiratory virus data available through ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) shows no significant surge in respiratory viral pathogens in India.
“The country’s health systems and surveillance networks are still on high alert to respond swiftly to any health challenges that may arise. There is no cause for alarm. We are watching the situation closely,” Nadda said reassuringly.
