Indian Health Agency On HMPV Virus Spreading In China
India’s health agency has assured there is no need for alarm regarding the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. Dr. Atul Goyal, an official from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), advised taking general precautions against all respiratory infections.
“There is nothing to be alarmed about in the current situation,” Dr. Goyal said.
Since there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, prevention is key to controlling its spread, according to doctors.
“There have been reports about a Metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me clarify – Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes the common cold. In very old or very young individuals, it may cause flu-like symptoms,” Dr. Goyal told reporters.
He added that an analysis of respiratory outbreak data in India showed no significant increase in December 2024 and no large clusters of cases from any institution.
Dr. Goyal highlighted that respiratory infections typically surge during winter, and hospitals are already prepared with necessary supplies and beds.
“I would like to remind the public to take general precautions against respiratory infections. If someone has a cough or cold, they should avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading the infection,” he advised.
“Use a separate handkerchief or towel for coughing and sneezing, and take regular medicines for colds or fevers. Beyond this, there is no need to worry about the current situation,” he added.
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), under the Union Health Ministry, is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases and is in contact with international agencies.
The spread of the new respiratory disease in China has raised global concerns of another COVID-19-like situation.
China recently stated that it had shared information on COVID-19 “without holding anything back” after the World Health Organization (WHO) urged for more data and access to understand the origins of the disease.
