India Well-Prepared: Centre Amid New Virus HMPV Outbreak In China

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday reassured the public about India's preparedness to manage respiratory illnesses, addressing concerns surrounding the reported spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.

A meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), chaired by the Director-General of Health Services (DGHS), was convened to assess the situation.

Indian Govt On New China Virus

The meeting included experts from various agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), along with representatives from key hospitals like AIIMS Delhi. Discussions centered around the respiratory illness surge in China, which has been linked to common seasonal viruses such as Influenza, RSV, and HMPV, the statment from the Union Health Ministry said.

India's surveillance systems for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) have not reported any unusual trends. Physicians across hospitals also confirmed that respiratory illnesses remain within expected seasonal variations. Existing ICMR networks already test for respiratory viruses, including HMPV, and the results show no significant rise in cases. To strengthen monitoring, the ICMR plans to increase the number of laboratories testing for HMPV and continue tracking trends throughout the year, the statement added.

The statement added, "Physicians from hospitals also confirmed that there is no surge in respiratory illness cases in the last few weeks other than the expected seasonal variation. ICMR network also tests for other respiratory viruses such as Adenovirus, RSV, HMPV etc. and these pathogens also do not show an unusual increase in the tested samples. As a precautionary measure, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV will be enhanced by ICMR, and ICMR will be monitoring trends of HMPV for the entire year."

It further added, "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 health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges."

HMPV Outbreak In China

Facing a health emergency that echoes the distressing days of the Covid-19 pandemic, China is grappling with a new challenge as it battles the spread of multiple viruses, including the human metapneumovirus (HMPV). This crisis has led to an alarming strain on the healthcare infrastructure, with hospitals and crematoriums struggling to cope with the influx of cases. The impact is particularly acute in pediatric care facilities, where a noticeable increase in infections has been observed among those under 14 years old, especially in the country's northern regions.