India Inc raises vigil as HMPV respiratory infections rise in Southeast Asia
Live MintMumbai/ New Delhi: India Inc is closely tracking the surge in cases of Human Metapneumovirus - which causes respiratory illness- in some Southeast Asian nations following an outbreak in China, and has asked its employees to travel to these countries only if necessary, and take precautions such as masking up to dodge the infection. As our employees regularly travel across the globe, we encourage them to follow local and international health advisories," said Adarsh Mishra, chief human resources officer, Panasonic Life Solutions India. HMPV caught global attention when China reported a surge in the respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms in the week ended 22 December, with the country's disease control authority noting an upward trend in cases. Testing and robust surveillance are critical to monitor and manage outbreaks effectively especially considering the recent surge of HMPV infections in China," said Niranjan Patil-head and biosafety officer for infectious diseases, microbiology and molecular biology -- Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. Metropolis did not confirm whether they had seen a surge in testing for HMPV in recent weeks.