Sat Jan 04 17:43:39 UTC 2025: ## India Holds Emergency Meeting Amidst Rising HMPV Cases in China
**New Delhi, January 5, 2025** – The Indian Union Health Ministry convened an emergency Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting on January 4th to discuss the recent surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China. While acknowledging the rising numbers in China, the Ministry stressed that India’s surveillance systems show no unusual increase in Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI), including HMPV.
The meeting, chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), included experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), various Indian health agencies, and leading hospitals like AIIMS Delhi. Data from the ICMR and IDSP networks confirmed that while HMPV and other respiratory viruses like RSV and Adenovirus are circulating in India, they are not exhibiting an unusual surge.
As a precautionary measure, the ICMR will increase the number of laboratories testing for HMPV and will closely monitor trends throughout the year. A recent nationwide preparedness drill indicated that India’s health systems and surveillance networks are equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses.
Dr. Atul Goyal of the DGHS emphasized that HMPV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms, posing a greater risk only to the very young and elderly. He reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm based on current data. The Ministry continues to closely monitor the situation in China and is working with the WHO to stay informed. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is actively tracking respiratory illnesses within India.
First Piper 