China Situation Not Unusual, India ‘Well-Prepared’ To Handle Respiratory Illnesses: Health Ministry On HMPV Scare

India is well-prepared to handle respiratory illnesses amid HMPV scare, Union Health Ministry stated. The ministry emphasised that the situation in China is "not unusual" given the ongoing flu season.

Representational Image | As a precautionary measure, ICMR plans to enhance the number of laboratories testing for HMPV and will monitor the virus trends throughout the year.

Source : PTI

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday assured the public that India is well-prepared to address respiratory illnesses, amidst concerns over reports of rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. The ministry emphasised that the situation in China is "not unusual" given the ongoing flu season.

A Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting was convened in Delhi under the chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The meeting included experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Disaster Management Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, and hospitals, including AIIMS Delhi.

In its press release, the ministry clarified that the surge in respiratory illnesses in China is attributed to common seasonal pathogens such as Influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and HMPV. "The situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season," the ministry noted, adding that these viruses are already in circulation globally, including in India.

India’s robust surveillance systems for Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), managed by ICMR and IDSP networks, have detected no unusual increase in cases. Physicians from hospitals across the country also confirmed no surge in respiratory illness beyond seasonal variations, as per the ministry.

As a precautionary measure, ICMR plans to enhance the number of laboratories testing for HMPV and will monitor the virus trends throughout the year. The health ministry highlighted, "Data from the recently conducted preparedness drill across the Country indicated that the Country is well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses."

The ministry stated that it is closely monitoring the situation in China through all available channels and has requested the WHO to provide timely updates. "The health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges," the statement concluded.

Kerala, Telangana Governments Urge Caution Following Reports Of Viral Outbreak In China

Kerala and Telangana governments have assured citizens that there is no immediate cause for panic regarding reports of a massive outbreak of viral fever and respiratory infection in China. Both states are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant health authorities.  

In a Facebook post, Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated that no reports have emerged about any virus in China that could potentially lead to a pandemic or rapid spread to other regions. She emphasised the need for vigilance given the state's significant expatriate population, including those travelling from China.  

"We are monitoring the situation in China. If an outbreak is detected that has the potential to spread to other areas, we can check its spread very quickly," she said. George also urged pregnant women, children, and the elderly to take precautions, including wearing masks.  

In Telangana, Director of Public Health B Ravinder Nayak confirmed in a statement that no cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in the state so far. He highlighted that an analysis of respiratory infection data showed no significant increase in December 2024 compared to the same period last year.  

तेलंगाना सरकार ने HMPV वायरस के चीन में फैलने के मद्देनजर एहतियातन दिशा निर्देश जारी किया है।

Government of Telangana issued precautionary measures in view of Human metapneumovirus #hmpvvirus outbreak in china. @CPRO_TGCM pic.twitter.com/sGO9QBMhk4

— Awaaz Telangana (@AwaazTelangana) January 4, 2025

The Telangana Public Health Department advised citizens to follow health guidelines and assured them there is no reason to be alarmed by reports of HMPV. Nayak stated that the department is in constant coordination with the Ministry of Health at the Centre.  

Director General of Health Services Dr Atul Goel clarified that HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses causing common colds, adding that it could result in flu-like symptoms, particularly in the young and the elderly.  

Both state governments emphasised preparedness and urged citizens to remain cautious while following recommended safety measures.