In response to the global and national presence of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), the Mizoram government has formed a core committee on virus HMPV.

Health Minister Lalrinpuii chaired a crucial meeting with health department officials to review the state’s preparedness against the respiratory virus.

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Aimed at fortifying the state’s health surveillance, the meeting led to the establishment of a core committee on HMPV, supported by Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) at both state and district levels.

The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has assured the public that HMPV, though a recurring respiratory illness seen in past years worldwide, is being closely tracked.

To date, Mizoram has reported no recent cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) linked to HMPV.

IDSP emphasised that there is no need for panic, as stringent monitoring is being carried out through a robust health surveillance network. Both government and private hospitals have been instructed to submit daily reports on ILI and SARI cases.

As part of a broader strategy to mitigate respiratory illnesses, the state health department is actively implementing the Pneumonia Control Programme under the SAANS (Social Awareness and Action to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully) campaign.

The department has urged citizens to cooperate with health officials and to promptly report any suspected cases of ILI or SARI to the nearest hospitals or health centres. The collaboration between the public and health authorities is seen as vital to ensuring the successful containment of potential outbreaks.

Discovered in 2001, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory pathogen that affects people of all age groups but poses higher risks to young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Symptoms often mimic other respiratory illnesses, ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress, particularly in vulnerable populations. Globally, health experts advocate vigilant monitoring, timely diagnosis, and supportive treatment as critical to managing HMPV’s impact.