India’s surveillance network remains vigilant and the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Monday, as the number of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country reached five in a single day.
Five children tested positive for the virus in Karnataka (2), Gujarat (1), and Tamil Nadu (2). The affected children are recovering well, while one has been discharged, the health authorities said.
In a video message, Nadda said that the HMPV virus is not a new virus.
“It was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating in the entire world since many years, It spreads through the air by the way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months,” said the Union Minister.
The Health Ministry, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), and the National Centre for Disease Control are keeping a close watch on the situation in China, as well as in neighbouring countries, Nadda assured.
"The 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 Programme has also been reviewed," he said, adding that the country is ready to respond promptly to any health challenges.
"There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation," he added.
According to former ICMR scientist Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, HMPV is definitely not deadly, and there is, to date, no evidence of mortality or a severe transmission rate.
“We can say HMPV is definitely not deadly. Most infections are mild, and only in children who are less than five and those who are over 65. It can cause common cold-like symptoms for 4 to 5 days,” Gangakhedkar told IANS.
“The virus may cause pneumonitis-like illness, but the mortality rates are almost unknown so far. HMPV has a global prevalence of about 4 per cent,” he added.
Farmers income doubled in seven years, claims Tripura Agriculture Minister
Fulfilling the Central and state governments’ target, the monthly income of the farmers in Tripura doubled in seven years, claimed Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday.
Two Tripura men arrested by Tamil Nadu police in theft case
In a swift inter-state operation, Tamil Nadu Police on Monday apprehended two individuals from Tripura’s Sepahijala district in connection with a gold theft case reported in Chennai.
Ambedkar’s ideas received delayed recognition, claims Tripura CM Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday said that the chief architect of the Constitution, B. R. Ambedkar’s ideas received recognition much later than deserved, but the BJP government is committed to follow the path he showed, especially for the upliftment of the backward and poor.
Govt to sell 6,000 Kgs of fish at subsidized rates on Poila Boishakh
In celebration of Poila Boishakh, the Fisheries Department has announced plans to sell approximately 6,000 kilograms of fish across the state at subsidized rates on Tuesday.
No ex-govts thought about Janajati welfare, development happening now, says Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that ambitious projects and schemes worth Rs 1,400 crore, funded by the World Bank, are currently underway in the state to improve the socio-economic conditions of indigenous tribes, adding that previously, no government thought about their welfare.
With DoNER ministry's aid, cultural hub to be set up in Tripura: CM Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that a cultural hub would be built in the state with the financial assistance of the Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Ministry, and Rs 32.5 crore has been allocated for it.
Chief Minister reviews development projects in Dhalai District
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha chaired a comprehensive review meeting today at the Manu Government Dak Bungalow to assess the progress of various development initiatives underway in Dhalai district.