HMPV In China Like Any Other Respiratory Virus, Says DGHS Official; Preventive Steps Key, No Panic Needed

A senior official from India's Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has assured the public not to panic over reports of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China. 

Atul Goel, the DGHS official, emphasised that general precautions for respiratory infections are sufficient to address the situation.

"There has been news doing the rounds about a Metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear on that count. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes common cold, and in the very old and the very young, it could cause flu-like symptoms," Goel stated during a press briefing on Friday (3 January).

Goel highlighted that an analysis of December 2024 data on respiratory outbreaks in India showed no significant rise in cases.

"We have analysed data of the respiratory outbreaks within the country. There is no substantial increase in December 2024 data and no cases which have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions," he noted.

While there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, Goel underscored the importance of preventive measures. 

"Use a distinct handkerchief or towel for coughing and sneezing and take normal medicines that are required for cold or fever whenever it is there. Otherwise, there is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation," he advised.

Hospitals in India are equipped for the seasonal increase in respiratory infections during winter, with adequate supplies and beds prepared to handle any surge.

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), operating under the Union Health Ministry, is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases. It is also in coordination with international agencies to ensure timely updates and preparedness, ANI reported.

Reports of the HMPV outbreak in China have triggered fears of another global crisis similar to COVID-19. 

However, Goel dismissed such parallels, asserting that the current situation does not warrant alarm.

Meanwhile, international scrutiny of China’s handling of respiratory diseases has intensified. On Tuesday (31 December 2024), China defended its transparency after the World Health Organisation (WHO) urged it to share more data regarding COVID-19's origins. 

The WHO called it a "moral and scientific imperative" to enhance understanding of the pandemic's roots.

China insisted it had made the "largest contribution to global origin tracing research," maintaining that it had shared COVID-19 information "without holding anything back

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