The Union Health Ministry on Friday sought to allay concerns over reports of an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, saying there was “no substantial increase” in the number of cases of viral respiratory diseases in the country.
The National Center for Disease Control separately said it was closely monitoring seasonal flu cases in the country and was in contact with international agencies to monitor the situation globally.
“News has been circulating about the metapneumovirus outbreak in China, but this virus is like any other respiratory virus causing a cold. In very old and very young people, it could cause flu-like symptoms,” Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Atul Goel said in a statement on Friday.
An analysis of data for December did not show a substantial increase in cases, he said.
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“We have analyzed the data on respiratory outbreaks in the country, there is no substantial increase compared to the data of December 2024. And no massive cases have been reported in any of our institutions,” said Dr. Goel, urging people to take general precautions against all respiratory diseases.
“One thing I would like to convey to the public is to take the general precautions that we use against all respiratory infections, which means that if someone has a cough or a cold, they should avoid coming into contact with many people so that the infection does not spread. Take the normal medicines needed for colds and fevers. There is no cause for alarm in the current situation. -he declared.
“Be that as it may, during winters we see an increase in outbreaks of respiratory virus infections for which our hospitals are usually prepared with the necessary supplies and beds,” he said.
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This statement follows reports of a large number of cases of HPMV-associated pneumonia recorded in China.
The National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) is closely monitoring cases of respiratory and seasonal influenza in the country and is in touch with international agencies following recent reports of an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, officials said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and validate information and developments accordingly,” a senior official said.
HMPV is an RNA virus first isolated in 2001 in the Netherlands. Since then, cases have been reported around the world during winters. The virus usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold. It often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups, or worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. HMPV infections are more common in winter and early spring.
According to the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, researchers estimate that about 10 to 12 percent of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. Most cases are mild, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory infection like pneumonia.
Dr Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr Dangs Lab, said: “This virus is not new and is routinely tested as part of the PCR-based flu panels we offer in our laboratories. There is nothing to worry about as nothing unusual has been observed so far.
