China Calls HMPV Outbreak ‘Winter Occurrence’, India Says ‘Don’t Panic’
Recent reports have highlighted an increase in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in China, particularly among children under 14 in northern provinces. HMPV is a respiratory virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals.
Chinese authorities have addressed concerns by stating that respiratory infections often peak during the winter season. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning noted that the current situation appears less severe and widespread compared to the previous year, assuring that it is safe to travel in China.
In response to the rise in respiratory illnesses, China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has initiated a pilot program to monitor pneumonia cases of unknown origin. This effort aims to enhance preparedness for handling potential pathogens, drawing lessons from past experiences with outbreaks like COVID-19.
In India, health officials have stated that there is no cause for alarm regarding HMPV. Director General of Health Services Dr. Atul Goel mentioned that analyses of respiratory outbreak data for December 2024 show no substantial increase, and no large numbers of cases have been reported from any institutions. He emphasized that HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses causing the common cold and that the current situation does not warrant significant concern.
While HMPV shares similarities with other respiratory viruses, including transmission through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces, there is currently no vaccine available for it. Preventive measures such as maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and practicing respiratory etiquette are recommended to reduce the risk of infection.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is yet to issue a statement on the outbreak of the virus.
The spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) — a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms, similar to COVID-19 — in China has raised health concerns globally, with countries closely monitoring the situation.
Here are 10 points on HMPV Virus
1. The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of flu and other respiratory infections. Common signs include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. In severe cases, the virus can lead to complications like bronchitis or pneumonia.
2. Photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China emerged on social media platforms and local reports said the outbreak of HMPV, which was discovered in 2001, scenes similar to the Covid outbreak five years ago, which later turned into a global pandemic and led to over 7 million deaths globally.
3. Beijing issued a press statement to address such concerns. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday that “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season”.
4.Reassuring citizens and tourists, she said “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China”, adding that “It is safe to travel in China”.
5.India was one of the worst affected by COVID-19. Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official Dr Atul Goel has asked people not to panic over the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.
6.”There has been news doing the rounds about a Metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear on that count. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes the common cold, and in the very old and the very young it could cause flu-like symptoms,” Dr Goel said.
7.”We have analysed data on the respiratory outbreaks within the country. There is no substantial increase in December 2024 data and no cases which have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions,” he said.
8.The World Health Organization (WHO) is yet to issue a statement on the outbreak of the virus in China and no state of emergency has been declared by the global health body or Beijing.
9.Countries neighbouring China are strictly monitoring the situation. Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV.
10.According to the US Centre for Disease Control, HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections. It affects individuals across all age groups, with young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems being most vulnerable.
Source:- ndtv.com
