India is monitoring the situation after reports of an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China surfaced. India is monitoring the situation after reports of an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China surfaced.

The Indian Health Ministry on Saturday in a statement assured that it is keeping a close watch over the situation in China regarding the reports of an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and they also said that India is prepared to deal with an increase in any respiratory illness anytime soon.

The ministry said that they have also requested the WHO to share timely updates about the spread of the virus globally.

It said that as a precautionary measure, the number of laboratories testing HMPV cases will be enhanced, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will monitor HMPV trends for the entire year.

A Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting was held under the Chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services here on Saturday to discuss the situation.

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 from hospitals, including AIIMS-Delhi, participated in the meeting.

Health Ministry Agreed Upon Few Points

They said 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, according to the ministry.

"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," the ministry said.

"The DGHS and Director NCDC, MOH&FW, GOI issued a statement on 03/01/2025 that Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is like any other respiratory virus which causes a common cold and flu-like symptoms during winter season, especially among younger & older age groups. So far, no case of Human… pic.twitter.com/enOCPhglQC

wild slots— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 4, 2025

These viruses are already in circulation globally, including India, the ministry said, adding physicians from hospitals also confirmed there is no surge in respiratory illness cases over the last few weeks other than the expected seasonal variation.

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, said the ministry.

The 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, the ministry said.

Data from the recently conducted preparedness drill across the country indicated that India is well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses, the ministry said.

During the tour, India secured a 2-2 (4-2 SO) win against Belgium in their first game but lost 2-3 in the second match against the same opponent. They faced a narrow 5-4 defeat against Bredase Hockey Vereniging.

This was announced by FIH President Tayyab Ikram who said: "Giving more opportunities to play to a larger and more diverse number of National Associations is one of the key pillars of our empowerment and engagement strategy."

The health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilantmango win, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges, it stated.