Health Ministry Guidelines on Respiratory Illness Surveillance

The Ministry of Health has issued directives to states to strengthen and review surveillance systems for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) following the detection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases.

Current Situation and Recommendations

• Review by the Union Health Secretary:
  • The situation of respiratory illnesses in the country is regularly reviewed, focusing on public health measures for management.
  • There is no current surge in respiratory illnesses, but states must maintain robust surveillance to detect cases promptly.
• Awareness and Preventive Measures:
  • States are advised to enhance public awareness regarding preventive measures against respiratory illnesses.
  • Simple preventive measures include frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, and maintaining distance from symptomatic individuals.
  • Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing is also recommended.

Data and Analysis

• Data from Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) does not show any unusual rise in ILI/SARI cases across the country.
• This observation is supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sentinel surveillance data.