No cause for alarm: Indian health officials on hMPV spread in China

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is also monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases, official sources told news agency ANI

As India marks the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2025, another flu-like illness has emerged, though the government insists there is no reason to panic. 

 

Addressing concerns about the outbreak of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in China, the Indian authorities, on Friday, said that the situation is under control, and that the health ministry is actively monitoring the spread of respiratory illnesses within the country, alongside seasonal influenza trends. 

 

China has reported a spike in hMPV cases, particularly among children and the elderly, over the past few weeks. The outbreak has prompted comparisons to the early days of Covid-19, with reports of overwhelmed hospitals and crematoria raising global concerns.  

 

HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, causing flu-like symptoms predominantly in the very young and the elderly, explained Dr Atul Goel, director general of Health Services (DGHS). He noted: “There was no significant increase in respiratory illness cases reported at our centres this December.” 

 

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has intensified its monitoring of respiratory illnesses, official sources told ANI. Dr Sourabh Pahuja, senior consultant in pulmonary medicine at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, emphasised that hMPV is not new to India and the virus has been present in the country for years, primarily affecting older children aged 10 to 14 years. 

 

The virus is known to spread via droplets, direct contact, and possibly airborne particles. Symptoms range from mild, such as a runny nose, to severe, including breathing difficulties and chest pain. “hMPV is most contagious during late winter and early spring, though infections can occur year-round,” explained Dr Tushar Tayal, consultant in internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. 

 

Currently, there is no specific treatment for hMPV. “Symptomatic relief measures include antipyretics for fever, decongestants for nasal symptoms, and maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition,” Pahuja said. 

 

Severe cases may require hospitalisation for oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. 

  About the measures taken, Dr Goel said that hospitals are usually prepared with necessary supplies and beds as winters usually see an increase in respiratory virus infections.  “The public should take general precautionary measures,” he added.

 

The heightened focus on respiratory infections comes amid reports from the United States and Canada of mutated H5N1 bird flu strains. While Indian authorities have not issued new advisories, previous guidelines from the health ministry and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) remain applicable. 

 

In China, official statements have sought to downplay the outbreak. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters that respiratory infections during winter are typical and that this year’s cases are less severe compared to last year. “The diseases appear to be spreading on a smaller scale,” she said, emphasising that it is safe for foreigners to travel to China. 

 

Despite these assurances, videos circulating on social media show overcrowded hospitals in China, highlighting the challenges of managing respiratory outbreaks.