hMPV outbreak in China: As cases of respiratory illnesses in China continue to rise, a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting, led by Director General of Health Services (DGHS), was held on Saturday.
According to the Health Ministry, experts from the World Health organization (WHO), the Disaster Management (DM) Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, and hospitals, including AIIMS, Delhi participated in the meeting.
After detailed discussions and based on the currently available information, the stakeholders agreed that 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, RSV and HMPV – the usual pathogens that are expected during the season.
“The government is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and WHO has also been requested 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 through both ICMR and IDSP networks and the data from both indicates no unusual surge in ILI & SARI cases,” the Ministry said.
It was also agreed that 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. 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, it added.
“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. Data from the recently conducted preparedness drill across the Country indicated that the Country is well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses. The health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges,” the Ministry said in a statement.
‘No need to be alarmed’
On Saturday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said the state government is closely monitoring the news reports about the massive outbreak of viral fever and respiratory infection in China and said there is no need to panic as of now.
In a Facebook post, George said there have been no reports so far about any virus found in China that could become pandemic or spread rapidly to other regions. As Malayalees are there in all parts of the world and expatriates frequently come to the state, including from China, extra caution should be exercised, she said.
“We are monitoring the situation in China. If an outbreak is detected that has the potential to spread to other areas, we can check its spread very quickly,” she said.
The minister also urged people, especially pregnant women, children and elderly people, to take extra vigil and asked them to wear masks.
Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Atul Goel said the Human Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes common cold, and it could cause flu-like symptoms in the young and the very old.
“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,” he 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,” Dr Goel stated.
He advised the public to take the general precautions that are 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.
‘Children under 14 at high risk’
The virus has raised significant concerns recently following reports from China about a surge in respiratory infections caused by the virus.
“While speculations are on rife whether the outbreak of the new virus will create another COVID-19 pandemic-like situation, we should always stay prepared to combat any infection that is spreading on a mass scale. At CMRI Kolkata, we have a large respiratory unit, and our team of expert physicians and medical staff always stay prepared for any untoward situation related to the spread of the virus. About 10-15% patients of total patients admitted to ICU have metapneumovirus infection. I believe all hospitals, be it private or public, should have such preparedness and strategies in place to collaboratively fight the outbreak of the infection in India,” Dr. Raja Dhar, Head of Department, Pulmonology at CMRI Hospital told Financial Express.com.
Notably, the metapneumovirus is mostly affecting children under the age of 14, Dr. Dhar revealed.
“The infection is more common among neonates (infant less than four weeks old) and infants (children aged under one year). The infection has also been reported in large numbers among elderly people. However, the infection is mild in most cases and only a small percentage, about 15 – 20, patients are getting admitted to the intensive care unit. There is a significantly large number of metapneumovirus in India, he said.
As an adult pulmonologist, two among ten patients who visit me have traits of metapneumovirus. It is crucial to note that infections caused due to metapneumovirus coupled with other bacterial infections can lead to serious respiratory conditions, he added.