No need to panic… Indian government gives big relief on new HMPV virus spreading in China

New Delhi: The National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) is closely monitoring the cases of respiratory and seasonal influenza in the country and is in touch with international agencies in view of the recent news of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China. Official sources gave this information on Friday. “We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide detailed information,” a senior official said. Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Atul Goyal said that human metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus, which causes common cold. he/she said it can cause flu-like symptoms in youth and older people. he/she said, ‘There have been reports about the outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. However, we have analyzed data on respiratory outbreaks in the country (India). There is no significant increase in the figures for December 2024. No large number of cases have been reported from any of our health institutions. There is no need to panic about the current situation.

Dr Goyal said, ‘In any case, the incidence of respiratory infections increases during winter, for which essential supplies and beds are generally arranged in our hospitals.’ he/she advised people to take general precautions to prevent respiratory infections. he/she said that if someone has cough and cold then they should avoid coming in contact with others so that the infection does not spread.