Amid rising concerns over the outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country.
This development follows recent reports of an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.
The Ministry maintained that while China had reported a rise in respiratory illness, particularly HMPV, India hadn’t registered any unusual spike in winter respiratory diseases.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate information and update accordingly,” the Ministry said.
Dr Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, said, “Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes common cold, and in very old and very young it could cause flu-like symptoms. We have analysed the data of the respiratory outbreaks within the country, there is no such substantial increase in 2024 data,” he said.
Goel added, “In any case during winter, there is an outbreak of respiratory infections and our hopitals are fully prepared for that with the necessary supplies and beds.”
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“I want to request the public to take general precautions, which means, those who have cough and cold should prevent coming in contact with other people to prevent the spread and take normal medicines prescribed for cold and fever… Otherwise, nothing to be alarmed about the present situation,” Dr. Goel said.
