Is India at risk of HMPV outbreak? ‘Nothing to be alarmed about,’ says health body

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

Also read: HMPV outbreak in China: All you need to know about symptoms, preventive measures

Nothing to be alarmed about: DGHS chief

"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," he 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," Goel stated.

Also read: China's HMPV virus news sparks alarm, but doctors question veracity

Take precautions, follow respiratory etiquette

He 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.

Goel advised people to follow respiratory etiquette and take normal medicines for cold and fever.

NCDC closely monitoring cases

Earlier on Friday, official sources said that 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 following HMPV outbreak in China.

Also read: After HMPV outbreak in China, India on high alert

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and validate information and developments accordingly," a senior official said.