Kerala Health Minister Veena George.
Pathanamthitta: Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Saturday said that the State government is closely monitoring the news reports of viral fever and respiratory infections in China.
The minister said that there is no need to worry but advised pregnant women, elderly and people with serious illnesses to wear masks.
“There are no reports of any viruses that are likely to become a pandemic or spread very quickly to other areas being found in China at this time. However, since Malayalis are present in all parts of the world, and expatriates from many parts of the world, including China, are arriving in our state, we should be cautious,” the minister said in a Facebook post.
If no significant genetic mutations have occurred in the virus, the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is unlikely to pose a severe threat. However, respiratory diseases found in children and the elderly, should be closely monitored. That is what we are currently doing. In addition, if people coming from other countries including China show respiratory symptoms, they will also be monitored. But there are currently no special restrictions for expatriates, said the minister.
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is also closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies in the wake of the recent reports of an outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, reported PTI citing official sources.
"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and validate information and developments accordingly," a senior official said.
Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Atul Goel said HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses that causes common cold and could cause flu-like symptoms in the young and the old.
"There is news doing the rounds about a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China. However, we have analysed the data of the respiratory outbreaks in the country (India) and there is no substantial increase in the December 2024 data and no cases which have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions. There is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation," he said.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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