The State health department today said that the health system of Meghalaya is well equipped and strengthened to tackle any outbreak such as the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China. It is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in people of all age groups.
Health secretary Ramkumar S said the virus do not indicate an unusual or alarming situation but the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) will continue to closely monitor the situation and is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of the public.
The committee convened a meeting today to assess the current threat and reviewed the preparedness of the State health machinery.
Ramkumar said health experts have clarified that HMPV virus is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating among the population. In December 2024, only 9 cases were confirmed positive for HMPV out of 714 suspected HMPV cases across the country, with no fatalities reported, he added.
HMPV causes mild respiratory symptoms which are flu-like such as fever, cough, sore throat and running nose, he said and urged the public to follow basic hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and wearing masks in case they have any flu-like symptoms, to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
“It is a virus that particularly affects children less than 14 years and elderly patients. Hence, any such patients with those symptoms should not delay in availing appropriate medical care from hospitals”, he said.
