Bharti Jayshankar
January 6, 2024: Reports of a surge of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus, cases in China have left the world fearing a pandemic similar to COVID 19.
Social media reports circulating in the media show crowded hospitals full of patients in China, which have fuelled the fears.
Reports indicate that HMPV cases have spiked across northern provinces, particularly affecting children and older adults. Hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed, with emergency measures being implemented to manage the situation. However, China’s health authorities have downplayed the outbreak as a seasonal occurrence, asserting that respiratory infections peak during winter months. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the current illnesses appear less severe than in previous years and emphasized that it is safe for both citizens and tourists to travel in China. A pilot programme has been launched to track pneumonia of unknown origin, ensuring labs and health agencies report and manage cases more effectively, state broadcaster CCTV reported, quoting an administration official at a news conference.
WHO response
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not flagged the situation as a global health emergency, but the rise in cases has prompted authorities to bolster monitoring systems. The WHO is closely monitoring the situation and providing updates regarding HMPV trends globally. Countries are encouraged to stay informed through regular communications with WHO.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the US has issued guidelines, but at the moment the government is refraining from raising any emergency measures or advisory.
India reports 5 HMPV cases
India’s Health Ministry has confirmed two cases of HMPV in the state of Karnataka but said in a media release that HMPV is endemic across the world, and that no “unusual surge” of flu or severe respiratory disease cases had been reported in the country. The number has risen to five with the discovery of three more cases, according to reports. The Delhi government has issued directives for hospitals to remain prepared for a potential increase in respiratory illnesses. This includes ensuring adequate supplies of essential medications and maintaining operational readiness for intensive care units.
Health authorities are advising the public to adopt preventive practices such as mask-wearing and hand hygiene, emphasizing that HMPV is not a new virus and typically causes mild illness.
Experts have noted that HMPV is a known virus that typically circulates among humans, often causing mild respiratory symptoms similar to those of the common cold. Epidemiologists emphasize that the current increase in cases aligns with seasonal trends rather than indicating a new pandemic threat.