The Union Health Ministry of India announced on Friday that it is keeping a close watch on the reported surge of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China. According to the Ministry, while China has noted an increase in respiratory illnesses, particularly HMPV, no significant or unusual increase has been observed in India’s winter respiratory disease cases.
Five years post the global COVID-19 crisis, China is dealing with a notable increase in HMPV infections, predominantly among children under 14. Symptoms include cough, fever, and breathlessness, potentially leading to bronchitis or pneumonia. This uptick has been primarily observed in the northern provinces of China, as reported by Reuters. HMPV outbreaks were previously noted in the U.S., Canada, and Europe around 2011-12.
The Ministry’s National Centre for Disease Control is actively monitoring both respiratory and seasonal influenza cases within India and is coordinating with international health bodies. Director-General of Health Services, Atul Goel, confirmed on Friday that no cases of HMPV have been officially recorded in India to date. Dr. Goel emphasized that while the government is vigilant about the situation in China, there is currently no cause for concern in India. He described HMPV as akin to other respiratory viruses causing flu-like symptoms, particularly in the elderly and children, and reassured that Indian hospitals are well-prepared for seasonal respiratory challenges.
Dr. Goel further noted that no specific antiviral medication is recommended for HMPV, as per current medical advice, and there are no significant cases reported either in hospitals or according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes HMPV as capable of causing both upper and lower respiratory infections in all age groups, with a higher impact on young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Since its discovery in 2001, HMPV has been recognized more frequently due to advanced molecular diagnostic tools.
Symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, akin to other respiratory viruses, with an incubation period of 3 to 6 days. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces.
In the U.S., HMPV typically circulates during winter months extending into spring.
