'Situation In China Not Unusual': Centre Says ‘India Well-Prepared’ Amid HMPV Scare

Representational Image. (Source: AI)

Amid the rising cases of respiratory illness in China, including those caused by the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), the Union Health Ministry on Saturday assured the people that there was no need for alarm over the recent surge. The ministry, in a statement, asserted that the "situation in China is not unusual" and that "India remains well-prepared to handle respiratory infections effectively."

The statement came after the Union Health Ministry convened a Joint Monitoring Group Meeting in view of rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China in the past few weeks.

Union Health Ministry convenes Joint Monitoring Group Meeting in view of rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China in the past few weeks. Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in China through all available channels and the WHO has been requested to share… pic.twitter.com/zytpqBse6M — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2025

The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in China through all available channels, and the WHO has been requested to share timely updates regarding the situation. The Union Ministry has said that India is well-prepared to handle respiratory illnesses; surveillance shows no unusual surge.

Meanwhile, PTI sources revealed on Friday that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country and is in touch with international agencies in the wake of the recent reports of an outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and validate information and developments accordingly," a senior official said, as quoted by PTI.

Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Atul Goel said the Human Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes the common cold, and it could cause flu-like symptoms in the young and the very old.

"There is news doing the rounds about a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China. However, we have analyzed the data of the respiratory outbreaks in the country (India), and there is no substantial increase in the December 2024 data and no cases that have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions. There is nothing to be alarmed about in the present situation," he said.

"In any case, during winters there is an increased outbreak of respiratory infections for which usually our hospitals are prepared with necessary supplies and beds," Dr Goel stated. He advised the public to take the general precautions that are used to prevent respiratory infections, which means if someone has a cough and cold, they should avoid coming in contact with others so that the infection does not spread. People should follow respiratory etiquette and take normal medicines for cold and fever that are there, he said.

(With agencies inputs)