New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Despite reports of an outbreak of Covid-like Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, Indian health authorities reassured the public on Friday that there is no cause for concern.
This announcement follows numerous media reports and social media discussions indicating a rapid spread of the virus in China, five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some reports even suggest that hospitals and crematories are becoming overwhelmed.
According to the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr. Atul Goel, “The transmission of HMPV in China is comparable to any other respiratory virus.”
“There is no reason for alarm regarding the current situation,” he continued.
Dr. Goel pointed out that the illness can manifest as “flu-like symptoms” particularly in the elderly and very young children.
He noted that there is typically a spike in respiratory virus infections during winter, a time when hospitals are prepared with adequate supplies and beds.
However, he highlighted that there is “no significant rise in respiratory outbreaks in the country as of December 2024 data.”
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV. Nonetheless, Dr. Goel recommended standard precautions against respiratory infections.
“If someone is experiencing a cough or cold, it’s advisable to minimize contact with others to prevent spreading the infection,” he advised.
“Utilize a separate handkerchief or towel for coughing and sneezing, and take standard medications for cold or fever as needed; otherwise, there is nothing to be worried about,” Goel elaborated.
In the meantime, data from the Chinese CDC indicated that as of late December, the positive rate of HMPV among those aged 14 and below has shown fluctuations and an uptick, as reported by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
Discovered in 2001, HMPV is part of the Pneumoviridae family, which includes the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
The virus can cause upper and lower respiratory diseases in individuals across all age groups, with young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems being particularly vulnerable.
As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), typical symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
It is believed to have an incubation period ranging from three to five days.
Preventive measures such as wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and boosting immunity may help in averting the disease.
In 2023, HMPV was detected in various countries including the Netherlands, Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada, the US, and China.
