Stay calm, country is well-prepared: Health Ministry urges amid HMPV scare
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New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that the country is ‘well-prepared to handle respiratory infections effectively’ in the wake of reports about the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, India Today reported.
Trying to allay public fears about the spread of the respiratory illness, the ministry emphasised that the ‘situation in China is not unusual’.
After convening a Joint Monitoring Group meeting, the Ministry stated that ‘Officials are closely monitoring updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international channels to stay informed about any potential risks.’
Alongside saying that the government is closely watching the situation, the ministry urged WHO to share timely updates on the situation in China.
The ministry said that existing health infrastructure in India can manage any potential crisis from viruses like HMPV, which are already in circulation in the country.
Urging the public to remain claim, the ministry said that India’s robust surveillance and healthcare resources can handle respiratory illnesses.
The ministry also directed people to follow standard health precautions, hygiene and seeking medical advice if symptoms arise.
Authorities claimed citing preparedness drill having conducted across the country that India is ‘well-prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses.’
Reports from China about the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) set alarm bells ringing across the world with many in India expressing their concern on social media.
China is reported to be seeing a sharp rise in respiratory illness with HMPV being highlighted as a major concern.
Reports circulating on social media show that hospitals and healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by the increasing cases.
HMPV, which typically causes symptoms such as cough, wheezing, runny nose, or sore throat, can lead to severe respiratory complications in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.