COVID-like virus scare Human Metapneumovirus in China, health ministry says ‘not panic’

The sudden rise in infections in China has sparked concerns about another virus outbreak after the Coronavirus. Authorities have detected some viruses that might be responsible for rising respiratory diseases in the country during the ongoing winter season.

Amid the reports of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, the union health ministry on Friday said the virus is like any other respiratory virus that causes common cold and there is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation.

Director General of Health Services  (DGHS) Dr Atul Goel said the Human Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes common cold and it could cause flu-like symptoms in the young and the very old.

“There is news doing the rounds about a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China. However, we have analysed the data of the respiratory outbreaks in the country (India) and there is no substantial increase in the December 2024 data and no cases which have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions. There is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation,” said Dr Goel.

Dr Goel said, “In any case, during winters there is an increased outbreak of respiratory infections for which usually our hospitals are prepared with necessary supplies and beds.”

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies in the wake of the reports.

Director General of Health Services advised the public to take the general precautions that are used to prevent respiratory infections which means if someone has a cough and cold they should avoid coming in contact with others so that the infection does not spread. People should follow respiratory etiquette and take normal medicines for cold and fever that are there, he said.