Close X
Friday, January 10, 2025
ADVT 
India

India prepared to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges: J.P. Nadda on HMPV

Darpan News Desk IANS, 06 Jan, 2025 06:25 PM
  • India prepared to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges: J.P. Nadda on HMPV

New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) 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.

 

MORE India ARTICLES

Priyanka Gandhi owns assets worth Rs 12 crore, Robert Vadra worth Rs 66 crore IANS

Priyanka Gandhi owns assets worth Rs 12 crore, Robert Vadra worth Rs 66 crore IANS
Priyanka Gandhi filed three sets of nominations before the Wayanad District Collector on Wednesday, and the information about her and her husband's assets came in the affidavit she filed, as per the mandatory requirement for every candidate who files a nomination to contest an election in the country.

Priyanka Gandhi owns assets worth Rs 12 crore, Robert Vadra worth Rs 66 crore IANS

PM Modi meets Presidents of UAE and Uzbekistan before concluding 'successful' Russia visit

PM Modi meets Presidents of UAE and Uzbekistan before concluding 'successful' Russia visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his visit to the Russian city of Kazan on Wednesday after participating in the restricted and open sessions of the 16th BRICS Summit and holding the much-awaited bilateral meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping. Just before flying back home, PM Modi also held meetings with the Presidents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uzbekistan.

PM Modi meets Presidents of UAE and Uzbekistan before concluding 'successful' Russia visit

AI adoption can generate Rs 33.8 lakh cr worth economic value by 2030: Hardeep Puri

AI adoption can generate Rs 33.8 lakh cr worth economic value by  2030: Hardeep Puri
Addressing an event in the national capital, Minister Puri underscored the pivotal role of AI in transforming the energy sector, emphasising that AI is set to revolutionise operations, drive efficiency and accelerate the shift towards a more sustainable energy landscape.

AI adoption can generate Rs 33.8 lakh cr worth economic value by 2030: Hardeep Puri

Punjab CM seeks incentives for industry on par with hill states

Punjab CM seeks incentives for industry on par with hill states
Presenting Punjab's industrial growth before a team of NITI Aayog, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday sought incentives for industry of the state on a par with neighbouring hill states. Addressing the gathering during the inaugural session of a workshop on MSME exports as drivers of growth for Punjab, the Chief Minister said that "it is the need of the hour to give subsidies and incentives to the industrialists of Punjab on a par with the hill states".

Punjab CM seeks incentives for industry on par with hill states

Cyclone Dana: High alert issued across West Bengal

Cyclone Dana: High alert issued across West Bengal
The administration in West Bengal is on high alert while all necessary precautionary measures have been taken to minimize the impact of Cyclone Dana which is expected to make a landfall between Bhitarkanika of Kendrapara district and the Dhamara area of Bhadrak district. Flight services have been cancelled at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata for 15 hours from Thursday.

Cyclone Dana: High alert issued across West Bengal

Massive fire erupts in Kolkata retail market, 15 fire-tenders at spot

Massive fire erupts in Kolkata retail market, 15 fire-tenders at spot
A major fire broke at the busy marketplace of Ezra Street in central Kolkata on Wednesday night. As per the information, as many as 15 fire-tenders have rushed to the spot and are trying to extinguish as well as prevent the fire from spreading further.

Massive fire erupts in Kolkata retail market, 15 fire-tenders at spot