India Well-Prepared: Govt Responds to HMPV Situation in China

India Well-Prepared: In response to the recent surge in respiratory illnesses in China, the Union Health Ministry of India convened a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting on January 4, 2025.

Following reports of a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, the Health Ministry announced on Saturday that India is closely monitoring the situation through various channels and has sought timely updates from the World Health Organization (WHO).

In a statement, the ministry emphasised that the "situation in China is not unusual" and that "India remains well-prepared to handle respiratory infections effectively".

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The statement came after the Health Ministry convened a Joint Monitoring Group meeting to assess the situation. "Officials are closely monitoring updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international channels to stay informed about any potential risks," the ministry said.

"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," it said.

India's surveillance data indicates no significant increase in respiratory infections or related hospitalisations across the country. "Viruses like HMPV are already in circulation in India and that existing health infrastructure is capable of managing any potential cases," the ministry noted.

The ministry reaffirmed the country's preparedness, emphasising that India's strong monitoring networks and medical facilities are capable of managing respiratory ailments.

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The public has been asked to keep composure and adhere to common health precautions, such as washing their hands and getting medical help if they experience any symptoms.

"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 statement added.

Facing a health emergency that echoes the distressing days of the Covid-19 pandemic, China is grappling with a new challenge as it battles the spread of multiple viruses, including the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

This crisis has led to an alarming strain on the healthcare infrastructure, with hospitals and crematoriums struggling to cope with the influx of cases.

The impact is particularly acute in pediatric care facilities, where a noticeable increase in infections has been observed among those under 14 years old, especially in the country's northern regions.

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