The Centre has advised states to step up surveillance for respiratory illnesses including influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illnesses (SARI), and also spread awareness about the prevention of transmission of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Monday chaired a virtual meeting with states and UTs to take stock of respiratory illnesses and HMPV cases in the country and public health measures for their management.