No cause to fear 'Covid-like' virus HMPV outbreak in India: DG of Health Services

New Delhi: Amidst reports of a human meta-pneumo virus outbreak in parts of China, a top Indian official on Friday said there is no cause for alarm and no unusual rise in the number of respiratory illnesses has been seen in India.

“We have analysed the data on respiratory outbreaks within the country. There is no substantial increase in December 2024 data. There is no report of a large number of cases from any of our institutions. There is no cause for any alarm,” Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, said here.

Five years after the appearance of Covid-19, the news of yet another outbreak of a respiratory infection from China has triggered widespread concerns. The World Health Organisation, however, is yet to issue any alert.

Goel said the HMPV was like any other respiratory viruses that cause common cold. In the very old and very young population, it can cause flu-like symptoms.

"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 said.

The senior official advised the public to take the general precautions used to prevent respiratory infections which means if someone has a cough and cold they should avoid coming in contact with others so that the infection does not spread.

People should follow respiratory etiquette and take normal medicines for cold and fever that are there, he said.

Discovered in 2001, HMPV is in the Pneumoviridae family along with respiratory syncytial virus. It can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

According to the US Centre for Disease Control, the symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. The estimated incubation period is 3 to 6 days, and duration of illness can vary depending upon severity but is similar to other respiratory infections.