HMPV : nothing to be alarmed in India, assured Health Dept

way2barak, January 6: Amid concerns over the outbreak of the HMPV in China, Dr Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, reassured the public that there is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation. He urged people to take general precautions.

He said, “We have analysed the data of the respiratory outbreaks within the country, there is no such substantial increase in 2024 data.” He further mentioned that during winter, there is an outbreak of respiratory infections and “our hospitals are fully prepared for that with the necessary supplies and beds.”

“I want to request the public to take general precautions, which means, those who have cough and cold should prevent coming in contact with other people to prevent the spread and take normal medicines prescribed for cold and fever… Otherwise, nothing to be alarmed about the present situation,” Dr Goel was quoted.

Meanwhile, Dr Arjun Dang, CEO, Dr Dangs Lab, warned that HMPV usually shows symptoms similar to other respiratory viruses, and if the outbreak isn’t quickly controlled, it can put a lot of strain on the healthcare system. Dr Dang highlighted that “Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing remains the gold standard for diagnosing HMPV.”

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a press statement on Friday that “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season”.

The spokesperson said, “The diseases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale compared with the previous year. I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China.”

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes lower and upper respiratory infections (like a cold). It is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu.

HMPV is not a newly discovered virus. It was first discovered in 2001, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.

The HMPV virus and the Corona virus are similar in some ways:

1. Both viruses cause respiratory disease in people of all ages. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are likely to be most at risk.

2. Symptoms are also similar. Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. These are also the symptoms shown by people infected with the COVID-19 virus.