Shillong: The Health and Family Welfare Department of Meghalaya has issued an advisory on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) following a review meeting held on Tuesday.
Chaired by the Principal Secretary, the Health Experts Committee convened to assess the situation after reports of HMPV surfaced in media outlets.
The committee emphasised that HMPV, first discovered in 2001, is not a new virus and has been present in the population for many years.
Recent data indicates that only nine cases of HMPV were confirmed across India in December 2024 out of 714 suspected cases, with no fatalities reported.
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HMPV typically causes mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose.
The committee noted that the current trend aligns with regular seasonal patterns and does not indicate any unusual or alarming situation.
The public has been urged to adopt basic hygiene measures, including frequent handwashing and the use of masks when experiencing flu-like symptoms, to minimise the risk of respiratory infections.
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) is closely monitoring the situation, and the state’s health machinery remains prepared to address any potential outbreak.
Authorities have assured the public that the health system in Meghalaya is robust and capable of handling any eventualities.
