6 Jan 2025 • A Joint Monitoring Meeting was held on 4th January, 2025 under the chairmanship of DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The meeting included experts from the 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 leading hospitals, including AIIMS, Delhi to discuss about the rising cases of HMPV in China. The meeting concluded with the following key points:

• The situation in China is typical, with rising cases are due to seasonal common pathogens, including- Influenza virus, RSV and HMPV
• These viruses are circulating globally, including India
• Data collected by ICMR and IDSP networks show no surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases
• Physicians from various hospitals have confirmed that there is no unusual surge in respiratory illness apart from normal seasonal changes
• ICMR has expanded its laboratory network to test for HMPV and will monitor its trends for the next year.
• Data from the recent preparedness drill shows that the country is ready to manage any rise in respiratory health concerns

The meeting ended with assurances that the country remains well-equipped to address any increase in respiratory illnesses.

On January 6, ICMR reported three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The first two cases were reported in Bangalore, involving a three-month-old infant and an eight-month-old infant. The three-month-old infant successfully recovered from the virus. The third case was reported in Ahmedabad, where a two-month-old boy was admitted to a private hospital for treatment.

Source: PIB | Read Full Story