Kerala on alert as influenza and HMPV cases surge in China

In light of numerous reports and social media posts regarding the surge in viral fever, influenza and pneumonia cases in China, the Ministry of Health has decided to strengthen surveillance of influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI) in the state.

According to available information and news reports, the surge in respiratory illnesses and influenza-like illnesses in China is due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and human metapneumovirus, some variants of the influenza A virus.・It is said to be caused by a virus (HMPV).

Influenza A viruses, which cause acute and highly contagious upper respiratory illness, are known for their potential to cause influenza pandemics. Many influenza A subtypes originate from birds or mammals in nature and can also affect humans. These can cause pandemics whenever a new subtype of A virus emerges, infecting humans, and spreading efficiently among people with low immune profiles.

Health officials say details about the proportion of influenza cases and virus subtypes in China's current outbreak are not yet clear, but there are currently no significant genetic mutations or emerging influenza subtypes. It was revealed that there were no reports.

But the state is increasing surveillance because influenza and ILI can be dangerous to the elderly and pregnant women.

Apart from warning the public to maintain good hygiene and infection control precautions for common respiratory illnesses, we also urge pregnant women and the elderly to wear masks and those who may already have a respiratory infection. It is recommended to maintain social distance from people of sexual nature.

Although no virus with pandemic potential or that can spread efficiently between humans has been reported from China so far, Kerala has four international airports and is a popular tourist destination. Also, as Kerala is a popular tourist destination, there will be a need for increased surveillance. According to the Ministry of Health, Malayalis live in different parts of the world.

The ministry said that although HMPV may be a new and relatively unfamiliar virus, having only been detected in 2001, it belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), another influenza-like virus, and is circulating. It is pointed out that it can be considered that all over the world over the past 50 years.

HMPV has long been implicated in some viral infections and pneumonia in the state, especially among children, and all state-owned institutes such as the Advanced Virus Research Institute, the National Institute of Virology, and the state public health institutes have been linked to HMPV. The laboratory has equipment to test for HMPV. said the official.

Although the threat of HMPV leading to a dangerous outbreak is considered low, the state will monitor all respiratory illnesses in seniors, children, and people entering the state from overseas. However, there are no special instructions or restrictions for tourists or NRIs.

Emerging genetic variants of COVID-19 continue to pose a threat, and to some extent if they account for a significant portion of the influenza cases currently being reported from China. The vigilance is certainly justified.

Still, new variants of COVID-19 are unlikely to cause dangerous disease in residents of states with high herd immunity and vaccine-derived immunity. The state has issued instructions to closely monitor clusters of respiratory illnesses.

The National Health Department is closely monitoring the development of the situation in China, but there are currently no alarming circumstances. Health Minister Veena George said the state has the capacity to identify and control infections.