Shillong, Jan 7: The Health Experts Committee of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Meghalaya, convened a meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to discuss reports on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

The Committee assessed the current threat and reviewed the preparedness of the State Health Machinery in response to the virus.

The committee said that HMPV is not a new virus, it has been circulating among the population for many years and it was discovered in 2001.

In December 2024, only 9 cases were confirmed positive for HMPV out of 714 suspected HMPV cases across the country, with no fatalities reported.

It causes respiratory symptoms which are flu-like such as fever, cough, sore throat and running nose.

The symptoms are very mild and there has been no deaths reported due to HMPV.

Current trends are consistent with seasonal patterns and do not indicate an unusual or alarming situation.

Issuing advisory to the public, the committee said the public is encouraged to follow basic hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and wearing masks in case they have any flu-like symptoms, to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) will continue to closely monitor the situation and is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of the public during this season. The Health system of Meghalaya is well equipped and strengthened to tackle any outbreak situations, it said.

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