The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that no cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported from India.
The director of the health body, Dr Atul Goyal, said that HMPV is like other respiratory viruses, which cause a common cold. Kids and elderly people can develop flu-like symptoms due to the virus.
He advised people to follow general precautions for respiratory infections, such as avoiding close contact with others if you have a cough or cold to prevent the spread of infection. He added that taking regular medicine for cold or fever is sufficient and assured that there is no cause for alarm in the current situation.
The doctor said that there was no substantial increase in the number of respiratory outbreaks in the country in December. “In any case, during winters there is an increase in outbreaks of respiratory infections, for which our hospitals are usually prepared with the necessary supplies and necessary beds,” Dr Goyal said.
Notably, China is seeing an increase in respiratory diseases, with several reports suggesting HMPV as a key concern. While China has not mentioned HMPV as an epidemic, the country revealed in December 2024 that they were going to set up a protocol to handle unknown pathogens.