India Sees No Surge in Respiratory Illnesses: Health Secretary Urges Strengthened Surveillance and Public Awareness

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava held a high-level meeting with State and Union Territory representatives to assess the current status of respiratory illnesses in the country, including Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, amidst reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China. The virtual meeting, conducted yesterday, was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Health, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Virology (NIV), and State Surveillance Units under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

Key Takeaways from the Review

1. Stable Situation in India:
   Data from the IDSP and ICMR sentinel surveillance indicate no unusual rise in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.
2. HMPV Awareness:
   HMPV, a respiratory virus identified globally since 2001, is not a cause for public concern, reiterated the Union Health Secretary. It was emphasized that the virus typically causes mild, self-limiting illnesses, with most cases recovering without complications.
3. Strengthening Preparedness:
   States were advised to review and enhance ILI/SARI surveillance mechanisms. The Union Health Secretary highlighted that seasonal increases in respiratory illnesses are common during winter months and assured that the country is well-prepared for any potential surge.
4. IEC Campaigns for Prevention:
   States were urged to run robust Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns to educate the public on preventive measures, including:
   • Regular handwashing with soap and water.
   • Avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands.
   • Maintaining distance from symptomatic individuals.
   • Covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
5. Diagnostic Facilities in Place:
   The ICMR-VRDL network has adequate diagnostic capabilities to detect HMPV and other respiratory viruses, ensuring timely and accurate diagnosis across the country.

Expert Insights and Observations

The meeting also featured insights from Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary (DHR), and Dr. (Prof) Atul Goel, DGHS, who emphasized the importance of maintaining sturdy surveillance and leveraging diagnostic infrastructure.

Public Advisory

The Health Ministry reassured citizens that the current situation does not warrant alarm. Simple hygiene practices and timely medical consultation for persistent symptoms remain key to managing respiratory illnesses effectively.

With coordinated efforts between the Centre and States, India is proactively monitoring and managing respiratory illnesses to ensure public health safety. The Union Health Ministry continues to remain vigilant and responsive to emerging health concerns.