'HMPV Reoccurs In Winters': China Downplays Outbreak, Indian Doctors Agree With Explanation

Last Updated:January 04, 2025, 10:46 IST

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Outbreak: Chinese foreign ministry assured tourists and citizens that it is safe to travel in the country.

HMPV India: Centre asked citizens not to panic. Doctors say Human Metapneumovirus is 'a normal respiratory virus'. (AFP/iStock)

China has reportedly downplayed the concern over rising Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases by calling it “annual seasonal reoccurrence". While confirming the surge in cases, a Chinese foreign ministry blamed it on the “winter season". He assured tourists and citizens that it is safe to travel in the country.

“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China," media reports quoted China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning as saying.

Did You Know HMPV Was First Identified in 2001?

Human Metapneumovirus was first identified two decades ago, but a vaccine has not been developed even after 24 years.

HMPV was first detected in 2001 by Dutch scholars in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples of children with respiratory infections caused by unknown pathogens.

Serological studies have shown that the virus has existed for at least 60 years, being distributed all over the world as a common respiratory pathogen.

What Is The Cure For HMPV

There aren’t any antiviral medications that treat human metapneumovirus, American nonprofit academic medical centre, Cleveland Clinic, stated. Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has also not mentioned any vaccination for the virus on its website.

If a person or a child are severely ill, they might need to be admitted to a hospital. At the medical centre, healthcare providers can monitor affected person’s condition and help prevent them from getting sicker. Oxygen therapy, IV fluids or Corticosteroids might be used for treatment.

Dr Arjun Khanna, head of pulmonary medicine at Faridabad-based Amrita Hospital, told News18 that HMPV is a common respiratory virus.

China CDC says that the infected person should maintain a regular lifestyle and stay in a good mood. Wear a mask when going to crowded places. Also, frequent hand washing, ventilation, and scientific disinfection can effectively reduce the chance of HMPV infection.

India Asks Citizens Not To Panic

Centre on Friday asked Indians not to panic amid fears of a Covid-like surge in cases of respiratory infections, as videos of hospitals in China struggling to manage patients made rounds on social media.

Atul Goel, director general of health services, said that HMPV is a normal respiratory virus which causes symptoms like cold. “Some people can get flu-like symptoms, especially the elderly and infants. But this is not something serious or worrisome," Goel said, adding that hospitals are prepared to deal with such an increase.

Further allaying the fears, former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientist Dr Raman Gangakhedkar told News18 that here is no need to be alarmed about human metapneumovirus (HMPV) unless a global health agency reports a genetic mutation, as the virus, in its current form, is unlikely to cause severe infections.

In fact, he said, the mortality or death rate from HMPV is not very high. “The mortality rate is not well-studied because it rarely caused deaths."

Gangakhedkar, who was the face of India’s apex medical research agency during government briefings on Covid-19, added that HMPV was discovered many years ago, and “by now, it has travelled globally and is noticed majorly during the winter season. The symptoms of the virus include fever, cough and cold. It rarely causes pneumonia in healthy individuals".

Beijing, China

News world 'HMPV Reoccurs In Winters': China Downplays Outbreak, Indian Doctors Agree With Explanation