India monitors HMPV outbreak in China; well-prepared to handle, says govt

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

In response, the ministry plans to increase the number of laboratory tests for HMPV cases. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will also conduct year-round surveillance of HMPV trends, reported PTI. On Saturday, a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) convened under the Directorate General of Health Services to assess the developments.

The meeting included experts from organisations such as WHO, the Disaster Management Cell, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), ICMR, the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, and prominent hospitals like AIIMS-Delhi.

After comprehensive discussions, the Health Ministry noted that ''the situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season.'' Reports indicate the surge is attributed to common seasonal pathogens, including Influenza virus, RSV, and HMPV.

''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 reiterated.

It added that these viruses are already present globally, including in India, and hospital physicians confirmed no unexpected rise in respiratory illness cases in recent weeks, apart from the usual seasonal trends.

India already has a robust system for monitoring Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) through the ICMR and IDSP networks. Data from these systems, which also test for other respiratory viruses such as Adenovirus, RSV, and HMPV, shows no unusual increase in sample positivity rates.

Findings from a recent nationwide preparedness drill suggest India is well-equipped to handle any potential surge 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 added.