‘India well-prepared’: On HMPV, govt says situation in China is not unusual
New Delhi, Jan 4: In the wake of recent reports of an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, India is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and has also requested the WHO to share timely updates, the Health Ministry said on Saturday.
As a precautionary measure, the number of laboratories testing HMPV cases will be enhanced and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will monitor trends of HMPV for the entire year, it said.
A Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting was held under the Chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services here on Saturday to discuss the situation.
Experts from the World Health organization (WHO), the Disaster Management (DM) Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division and from hospitals, including AIIMS-Delhi, participated in the meeting.
After the detailed discussions, and based on the currently available information, it was agreed upon that the situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season, said the ministry.
The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is Influenza virus, RSV and HMPV, the usual pathogens that are expected during the season, according to the ministry.
"The government is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and WHO has also been requested to share timely updates regarding the situation in China," the ministry said.
These viruses are already in circulation globally, including India, the ministry said, adding physicians from hospitals also confirmed there is no surge in respiratory illness cases over the last few weeks other than the expected seasonal variation.
A robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza is already in place in India through both ICMR and IDSP networks, and the data from both indicates no unusual surge, said the ministry.
The ICMR network also tests for other respiratory viruses such as Adenovirus, RSV, HMPV etc. and these pathogens also do not show an unusual increase in the tested samples, the ministry said.
Data from the recently conducted preparedness drill across the country indicated that India is well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses, the ministry said.
The health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges, it stated.
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AAP leader flogs himself in public for failing to get justice for those wronged in BJP-ruled Gujarat
Surat, Jan 6: Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Italia on Monday flogged himself at a public meeting in Surat in Gujarat as penance for "failing to ensure justice" for the victims of various crimes committed in the BJP-ruled state and to awaken people from their slumber.
Seeking forgiveness from stage, the AAP national joint secretary flogged himself by pulling out his trouser belt after citing the recent incident of a Patidar woman being booked and arrested at Amreli for allegedly trying to defame a BJP leader.
Addressing the gathering, Italia said he was fighting legal, social and political battles for the victims but "the corrupt nexus of officials and leaders under Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule" has made it hard for people to get justice.
"Gujarat has witnessed many incidents such as Morbi suspension bridge collapse, Vadodara boat capsize case, different hooch tragedies, fire incidents and government recruitment exam paper leak cases, but I have been unable to ensure justice to the victims," he said before flogging himself even as leaders on the stage rushed to stop him.
Citing a more recent case of a woman being booked and arrested (before being granted bail) for allegedly trying to defame a BJP leader, Italia said he was punishing himself for not ensuring justice to the "innocent daughter of Amreli."
Later, Italia released a video statement in which he said he and other AAP leaders have been fighting to provide justice to many victims and even met police officials and moved court but in vain.
"Today, when I was speaking on the Amreli incident, I was very shocked and thought how is it possible that no one gets justice in Gujarat. BJP leaders make cruel statements, which are like pouring salt on burn injuries. I flogged myself for failing to ensure justice," he said.
Italia said only people of Gujarat can provide justice to these victims, adding that he hoped his act would awaken the "sleeping soul of the people".
Once it happens, there will be no place for injustice in Gujarat, the AAP leader asserted.
It may be noted that Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai had recently flogged himself to protest the rising incidents of crime against women in the DMK-ruled southern state.
ગુજરાતની જનતાની સૂતેલી આત્માને જગાડીશું,
— Patel Nirav (@Official_Nirav_) January 6, 2025
ભાજપના ત્રાસથી પીડિત જનતાને ન્યાય અપાવીશું 💯 ✅@Gopal_Italia @AamAadmiParty pic.twitter.com/qcdjdmTKbd
