Nothing to be alarmed, take general precautions: Director-General of Health Services amid HMPV outbreak in China

New Delhi: Amid concerns over the outbreak of the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) in China, Dr Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, reassured the public that there is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation, urging people to take general precautions.

Speaking to the media, Dr Goel emphasized that hospitals are well-prepared for the seasonal surge in respiratory infections.

"Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes common cold, and in very old and very young it could cause flu-like symptoms. We have analysed the data of the respiratory outbreaks within the country, there is no such substantial increase in 2024 data. In any case during winter, there is an outbreak of respiratory infections and our hospitals are fully prepared for that with the necessary supplies and beds," he said.

"I want to request the public to take general precautions, which means, those who have cough and cold should prevent coming in contact with other people to prevent the spread and take normal medicines prescribed for cold and fever... Otherwise, nothing to be alarmed about the present situation," Dr Goel added.

Meanwhile, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies, according to Official sources.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate information and update accordingly," official Sources said.

This development follows recent reports of an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.

"The data from December 16-22, indicates a recent rise in acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), however, the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China this year is lower than last year. A seasonal increase in respiratory pathogens is expected in the northern hemisphere, particularly during the winter period," sources said after an update from WPRO.