The Centre has advised states to increase surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).  This development follows after  India lodged 7 cases of HMPV virus. The decision was taken at a meeting held by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Monday to examine the current status of respiratory illnesses in India, particularly focusing on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases.

The states were also advised to strengthen public awareness through information, education, and communication (IEC) initiatives. Furthermore, preventative measures recommended frequent handwashing with soap, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, maintaining distance from symptomatic individuals, and covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava acknowledged the cases of HMPV in India, but emphasised that an uptick in respiratory illnesses during the winter months is normal. She also stated that the nation is well-prepared to manage any potential increase in respiratory illness cases.

Reportedly, during the meeting, it was reiterated that data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sentinel surveillance does not indicate any unusual increase in cases of ILI or SARI across the country.

Punya Salila Srivastava also reassured the public that there is no cause for concern regarding HMPV, which has been globally present since 2001. She mentioned that adequate diagnostic facilities for detecting HMPV were available at ICMR.

HMPV is a respiratory virus affecting individuals of all ages, and tends to peak in winter and early spring. The infection is usually mild and self-limiting, with most patients recovering without complications.

Reports stated that suspected cases of HMPV were also reported in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, though confirmation is awaited. All five confirmed cases of HMPV are children.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public on Monday that there was no cause for alarm. He said that the virus, first identified in 2001, posed no new threat to the public, adding that the government was closely monitoring the situation.

Notably, common symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, runny or congested nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, and rash.

A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Tibet near the Nepalese border early this morning, leaving at least 95 people dead, according to Chinese state media Xinhua. The tremors were strongly felt across parts of India, including Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal, triggering panic among residents.

The earthquake, recorded at 6:35 am, had its epicenter in Tingri County, Shigatse City, about 400 kilometers southwest of Tibet’s capital, Lhasa. Tingri, a popular tourist destination for Mount Everest enthusiasts, is situated along the Nepalese border.

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported two additional quakes in the region shortly after the initial tremor. A second earthquake of magnitude 4.7 struck at 7:02 am at a depth of 10 kilometers, followed by a third measuring 4.9 at 7:07 am at a depth of 30 kilometers.

Tibet and Nepal lie within a highly active seismic zone where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, forming the Himalayan mountain range. This geological activity makes the region prone to frequent and often catastrophic earthquakes. In 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Nepal claimed nearly 9,000 lives, injured over 22,000, and left a trail of devastation, destroying more than half a million homes.

In India, tremors from the earthquake were particularly pronounced in Bihar, where alarmed residents rushed out of their homes and apartments. However, authorities have not reported any significant damage to property in the affected regions.

Rescue and relief efforts are underway in Tibet as authorities assess the scale of the disaster. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events and the urgent need for robust preparedness measures.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi today inaugurated a government school in Kirari and described it as a significant milestone in the region’s development.

Reportedly, the 68-classroom school is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and will operate in two shifts, accommodating around 2,000 students in each shift. It also boasts modern laboratories, including biology and computer labs, and a lift.

At the inauguration event, CM Atishi said that once considered an underdeveloped region that lacked basic amenities such as schools, proper water supply and sewer systems, Kirari has witnessed a remarkable transformation. She added that the establishment of this world-class school marks a significant milestone for the community, providing local children access to quality education close to home.

Recalling her visits to Kirari in 2014-15, Atishi said she was informed how children from the area had to travel long distances to attend school. She expressed that the perseverance of Kirari residents has paid off. She added that through relentless efforts, including legal battles, they secured this land from the DDA (Delhi Development Authority), paving the way for the construction of this impressive facility.

The Chief Minister said schools in the region struggled with infrastructure issues like waterlogging during monsoon, broken windows, a lack of drinking water facilities, and unclean toilets. She noted that the contrast between those days and the present state of this new school is a testament to the community’s determination for change.

She further stated that the majority of residents in Kirari were from Purvanchal, who moved to the city for better opportunities. Their dream of ensuring a brighter future for their children is now within reach, she continued. Chief Minister Atishi also remarked that AAP national covenor Arvind Kejriwal had vowed to provide quality education to every child and this school is an example of that promise being fulfilled.