Amid concerns surrounding reports of an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in India has assured the public that there is no cause for alarm. Speaking to reporters, DGHS Director-General Atul Goel clarified that no cases of HMPV have been detected in India so far.
Addressing the situation, Goel stated, “There has been news about an HMPV outbreak in China and claims that it is serious. We don’t think so. It is similar to other respiratory viruses, causing flu-like symptoms primarily in elders and children under one year of age.”
He emphasized that respiratory illnesses are common during the winter months and that Indian healthcare facilities are fully equipped to handle such cases. “There are no specific antiviral drugs for this virus, and no major cases have been reported in hospitals or as per ICMR data. There is nothing to be alarmed about,” he added.
The Union Health Ministry’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases across the country. Earlier reports by ANI also highlighted the ministry’s active surveillance efforts.
HMPV, a respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe flu-like symptoms, is not new and typically affects vulnerable groups, including the elderly and young children. Health authorities reiterated that standard precautions and timely medical attention are effective in managing such infections.