- By Aashish Vashistha
- Fri, 03 Jan 2025 06:09 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
HMPV Virus Outbreak: Amid rising concerns over a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, India is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with international agencies. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), under the Union Health Ministry, is actively monitoring respiratory infections and cases of seasonal influenza.
"We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate information and update accordingly," news agency ANI quoted official sources. Meanwhile, Dr Atul Goel, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), stated that the Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus similar to others that cause the common cold. It may lead to flu-like symptoms, especially in the young and elderly populations. He also asked people not to panic and stated that there is “nothing to be alarmed about.”
"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 have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions. There is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation," Dr Atul Goel was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
"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," he added.
About HMPV Virus
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus classified under the Pneumoviridae family and the Metapneumovirus genus, as stated by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC).
Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) can lead to both upper and lower respiratory diseases in individuals of all age groups.
"The resurgence of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) underscores the ever-evolving challenges posed by respiratory viruses, particularly in high-density populations. HMPV, a relatively underrecognized pathogen, has been a silent contributor to seasonal respiratory illnesses globally. At Dr Dangs Lab, we have routinely reported cases of HMPV during flu seasons, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. This outbreak in China highlights the need for heightened surveillance and early detection mechanisms to curb its spread," Dr Arjun Dang was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Symptoms Of the HMPV Virus
According to Dr Arjun Dang HMPV often presents symptoms similar to other respiratory infections, such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
In severe cases, it can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly among high-risk groups. He emphasized that if the outbreak isn't quickly controlled, it could significantly strain the healthcare system.
The virus generally spreads from an infected person to others through close contact such as shaking hands and coughing or sneezing. China is also monitoring the rise in respiratory diseases as part of a new pilot system aimed at tracking pneumonia of unknown origin.
With winter approaching, an increase in respiratory illnesses is expected. Recent reports have shown the detection of pathogens like the rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus, with a particular uptick in human metapneumovirus cases among individuals under 14, especially in northern provinces.