NEW DELHI: Health ministry on Friday said that India was monitoring the situation regarding the recent reports of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China and said that there was no cause for alarm.
“There is news doing the rounds about a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China. However, we have analysed the data of the respiratory outbreaks in the country (India) and there is no substantial increase in the December 2024 data and no cases which have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions. There is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation,” director general of health services (DGHS) Atul Goel said.
“In any case, during winters there is an increased outbreak of respiratory infections for which usually our hospitals are prepared with necessary supplies and beds,” he added.
Further, he urged the public to follow standard precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, advising that individuals with a cough or cold should avoid close contact with others to prevent transmission.
Meanwhile, China downplayed reports of a widespread flu outbreak overwhelming hospitals, saying that this year’s respiratory disease cases during the winter were less severe than those of the previous year.
“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. “The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”
It also reassured that it is safe for foreigners to travel to China.
“I can assure you the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China,” she said.
