Health Secretary issues guidelines on HMPV

Secretary Health M Sudha Devi has issued directions that all cases of influenza or severe acute respiratory illness should be monitored following the detection of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India. In a virtual meeting held with the principals of all medical colleges, chief medical officers of all districts and all medical superintendents, the Secretary issued the direction.

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Besides, a meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Union Health Secretary with Health Secretaries of all states and Union Territories for the recently reported cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the state of Karnataka. In this meeting, the Union Health Secretary said that HMPV was a highly contagious virus, spreads mostly among children, adults and people with weakened immune systems.

The Indian government has said that this is a common virus and there is no need to panic. Infections with this virus have occurred in India before as well. Its main symptoms are cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath in severe cases, etc. It can also cause bronchitis and pneumonia. This virus spreads from one person to another by coughing, sneezing and shaking hands. The person showing the above-mentioned symptoms should go to the nearest health centre and to get tested.