In response to indications of an increase in instances of severe acute respiratory illness in China associated with the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), the Government of Sikkim has issued a health advisory. On January 7, a high-level conference with the Health and Family Welfare Department, presided over by the Chief Secretary, was conducted to evaluate the state's readiness and assess the threat. First discovered in the Netherlands in 2001, HMPV is known to cause mild respiratory diseases, but in susceptible groups, like those with impaired immune systems, it can cause severe cases. Handshakes, coughing, sneezing, intimate contact, and infected surfaces are all ways that the virus spreads. Cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, and dyspnea are typical symptoms.
People have been encouraged to take precautions include cleaning contaminated surfaces, avoiding close contact with symptomatic people, coughing and sneezing properly, and often washing their hands using the SUMAN-K method. The public has been reassured by health officials that strong surveillance systems are in place and that there are no signs of any significant outbreaks or odd trends in India. The public has been urged to take precautions and consult a doctor if symptoms arise.
