The Ministry said it is closely monitoring the situation in China through all available channels. Representational File image. | Photo Credit: Nagara Gopal
“The situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season. The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is Influenza virus — Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — are expected during the season,” said the Union Health Ministry on Saturday (January 4, 2025) following a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting following the reports about the rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China.
The meeting saw the participation of top experts from the Union Health Ministry, World Health Organization (WHO), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, National Centre for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi.
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The Ministry, while stating that it is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels, added that it has also requested WHO to share timely updates regarding the situation in China.
“These viruses are already in circulation globally including India. A robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza is already in place in India and the data from both indicates no unusual surge in ILI & SARI cases. Physicians from hospitals also confirmed that there is no surge in respiratory illness cases in the last few weeks other than the expected seasonal variation,’’ said a release issued by the Ministry.
It added that ICMR network also tests for other respiratory viruses such as Adenovirus, RSV, HMPV etc. and these pathogens also do not show an unusual increase in the tested samples. As a precautionary measure, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV will be enhanced by ICMR, and ICMR will be monitoring trends of HMPV for the entire year.
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“Data from the recently conducted preparedness drill across the country indicated that India is well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses,” said the Ministry.
“Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus that can cause infections ranging from mild colds to severe respiratory distress. While it can affect anyone, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk,’’ said Anusuya Shetty, consultant, Internal Medicine, Apollo Medical Center, Koramangala.
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Dr. Shetty added that symptoms include coughing, temperature, nasal congestion, sore throat, and shortness of breath.
“Currently, there is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for hMPV. Treatment primarily focuses on symptom relief, such as rest, hydration, over-the-counter medications, and in severe cases, supplemental oxygen,’’ she said.
Published – January 04, 2025 08:42 pm IST
