In the middle of conjecture over the spread of HMPV (human metapneumovirus) in China, the Directorate General of Health Services has stated that there is “nothing to be alarmed about.”
Atul Goel, the Director-General of the body, told media that no cases of the respiratory illness, HMPV, have been registered in the country yet. Goel further said, “There has been news about the HMPV outbreak in China and that it is serious. We don’t think so. Let me be very clear, it is like any other respiratory virus that causes flu-like symptoms, mostly in elderly and infants.”
He pointed out that respiratory illnesses are common during winters and the hospitals in India are equipped to address them. Goel told media, “Particularly medicines are not needed because there are no antiviral drugs against this. There are no major cases, neither in hospitals nor as per ICMR data. There is nothing to be alarmed about.”
The Union health ministry’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is thoroughly monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country.
While reports about the China HMPV outbreak have not been officially made certain, NCDC reportedly said that it is in contact with international agencies for this issue. Concerns over respiratory illnesses are generally present in the country during winter seasons, due to the cold wave and air quality index’s condition.
The Chinese disease control authority had in late December declared that they were setting up a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin as cases of some respiratory illness are expected to rise through the winter.
The country’s step was targeted at assisting authorities in identifying and setting up procedures to handle unknown pathogens. China’s steps on this system claimed to ensure that its preparedness level is better than the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
