HMPV not new virus, no reason to worry: Health minister JP Nadda


NEW DELHI: Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday he assured the public HMPV virus stating that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation and there is no reason to worry.
Nadda’s statement came amid tension over rising cases of HMPV in India, where two cases were detected in Karnataka and one in Gujarat.
HMPV is not a new virus, says Nadda
In a video statement, the BJP national president said health experts have clarified that this is not a new virus. “It was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating around the world for many years,” he said.
Elaborating on the virus, he said HMPV “is transmitted through the air and can affect people of all age groups.” “The virus spreads more during the winter and early spring months,” he added.
Ministry closely monitors the situation in China
On the recent reports on the increase in HMPV cases, Nadda assured that the Ministry of Health, ICMR and the National Center for Disease Control are maintaining “close surveillance on the situation in China and neighboring countries.”
“WHO has taken cognizance of the situation and will share its report with us shortly. The national data on respiratory viruses available with the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program have also been reviewed and no increase is observed in any of the respiratory viral pathogens common in India,” he said.

‘There is no reason to worry’
He said a meeting of the joint monitoring group to review the situation was held on January 4 under the chairmanship of the director general of health services.
“The country’s health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring that the country is prepared to respond quickly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation,” he concluded in his video statement. .





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