Sat Jan 04 22:18:19 UTC 2025: ## India Reassures Public Amidst China’s Respiratory Illness Surge

**New Delhi, [Date]** – The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has moved to quell public concerns regarding a surge in respiratory illnesses, including Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), in China. In a press release following a joint monitoring group meeting, the ministry asserted that India is well-prepared to handle any increase in respiratory infections and that the situation in China is not unusual given the current flu season.

The meeting, which included experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), concluded that the rise in respiratory illnesses in China is primarily due to common seasonal viruses like influenza, RSV, and HMPV. These viruses are already circulating globally, including in India, the ministry stated.

Data from India’s Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) surveillance systems, run by the ICMR and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), show no unusual increase in cases. Hospital reports similarly confirm no significant surge in respiratory illnesses beyond typical seasonal variations. Furthermore, ICMR testing reveals no unusual increase in other respiratory viruses like Adenovirus, RSV, and HMPV.

As a precaution, the ICMR will expand HMPV testing capacity and monitor trends throughout the year. Recent nationwide preparedness drills have confirmed India’s readiness to manage any increase in respiratory illnesses, the ministry added.

Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Atul Goel, reiterated that HMPV is a common cold-causing virus and urged the public to practice standard respiratory infection precautions, such as avoiding contact with others when sick and taking standard cold and fever medications. He emphasized that there is no cause for alarm. The Indian government is actively monitoring the situation in China and has requested regular updates from the WHO.

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