HMPV not new virus, no reason to worry: Health minister JP Nadda – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Union health minister JP Nadda on Monday assured the public on HMPV virus asserting that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation and there is no reason to be worried.
Nadda’s statement came amid tension over the rising cases of HMPV in India where two cases were detected in Karnataka and one in Gujarat.
HMPV not a new virus, says Nadda
In a video statement, the BJP national president said that the health experts have clarified that it is not a new virus. “It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years,” he said.
Elaborating on the virus, he said HMPV “spread through air and can affect persons of all age groups.” “The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months,” he added.
Ministry keeping close watch on situation in China
On recent reports on rising cases of HMPV, Nadda assured that the health ministry the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control are keeping “a close watch on the situation in China as well as in the neighbouring countries.”
“WHO has taken cognisance of the situation and will share its report shortly with us. The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has also been reviewed and no surge in any of the common respiratory viral pathogens is observed in India,” he said.

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