Situation in China linked to HMPV “not atypical” according to the government

India’s health ministry on Saturday called on people to remain calm amid concerns over the possible spread of HMPV (human metapneumovirus) in China, saying India is “well prepared” to manage respiratory illnesses and that the situation in China is “normal”.

Amid reports of an increase in respiratory illnesses in China in recent weeks, a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Experts from World Health Organization (WHO), Disaster Management Cells, Integrated Disease Surveillance Program, National Center for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research, Medical Services of Emergency Relief Division and hospitals such as AIIMS Delhi participated in this meeting.

At the end of this meeting on HMPV, the ministry concluded that the situation in China “is not unusual due to the current influenza season”. “Reports also indicate that the cause of the recent increase is the influenza virus, RSV and HMPV – the usual pathogens expected during this season,” the ministry added.

However, the central government said it was closely monitoring the situation through all possible channels, adding that it had also asked the WHO to provide regular updates on the situation in China. “These viruses are already circulating around the world, including India,” he said.

Further, the Center highlighted that India has a robust surveillance system for influenza-like respiratory illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections. It was noted that data from the ICMR and IDSP networks do not indicate any unusual increase in cases of ALI (Acute Respiratory Infection) and SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection).

Hospital authorities also confirmed that there has been no increase in cases of respiratory illnesses in recent weeks, apart from the usual seasonal variations.

Additionally, the ICMR network tests for other respiratory viruses such as adenovirus, RSV, HMPV, etc. According to the Ministry of Health, these pathogens do not show an abnormal increase in the samples tested.

“As a preventive measure, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV will be increased by the ICMR, which will monitor the trends of HMPV throughout the year,” he added.

The results of exercises recently conducted to check the country’s preparedness show that India “is well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory diseases.”

“Health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring the country is prepared to respond quickly to any emerging health challenges,” the health ministry said.

DGHS Director General Dr Atul Goel said on Friday that HMPV is comparable to any other respiratory virus causing common cold. He urged the public to follow the usual general precautions against respiratory infections, including avoiding contact with many people if they have cough or cold symptoms, to avoid the spread of infection.

“Take the usual medicines needed for colds and fevers. There is nothing alarming in the current situation,” Goel said.