No need to be alarmed: India health body on reports of HMPV spread in China

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.

Director General of Health Services Dr Atul Goyal said on Friday that no cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported from India.  

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.