India’s DGHS Reassures Public Amid Concerns Over Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Spread in China

A top official from India’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has urged the public not to panic about the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. Dr. Atul Goyal, a senior DGHS official, emphasized the importance of general respiratory precautions and stated that the situation does not warrant alarm.

Understanding Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold. While it can lead to flu-like symptoms in vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children, it is generally not a cause for severe concern.

“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,” said Dr. Goyal during a press briefing.

Current Situation in India

Dr. Goyal reassured that there has been no significant increase in respiratory infections within India.

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

The DGHS further highlighted that winter seasons typically see an uptick in respiratory infections, and Indian hospitals are well-prepared with necessary supplies and infrastructure.

Precautions Against Respiratory Infections

Dr. Goyal recommended the following preventive measures:

• Avoid contact with people if you have symptoms like cough and cold to prevent spreading infections.
• Use separate handkerchiefs or towels when coughing or sneezing.
• Take over-the-counter medicines for mild cold or fever symptoms as needed.

He assured the public that adhering to these measures would suffice to control the spread of respiratory viruses, including HMPV.

Monitoring by Health Authorities

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), under India’s Union Health Ministry, is closely monitoring seasonal influenza and respiratory illnesses. The agency is also in touch with international organizations to track developments related to HMPV and other respiratory diseases.

Concerns Over the Situation in China

The spread of HMPV in China has triggered global concerns, drawing parallels to the early stages of COVID-19. However, experts have pointed out that the two viruses differ significantly in their impact and severity.

China has insisted on its transparency regarding disease outbreaks. Following a World Health Organization (WHO) call for more data on COVID-19 origins, China reiterated its commitment to global research.

“We have made the largest contribution to global origin tracing research,” said a Chinese government spokesperson.

Public Reassurance

Despite heightened awareness due to China’s respiratory disease outbreak, Indian health officials have maintained that the situation is under control domestically. The DGHS and NCDC continue to monitor for any unusual trends, ensuring readiness to respond if necessary.

This approach reflects India’s proactive stance in safeguarding public health and learning from past experiences with global health crises.