New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has sought to quell concerns surrounding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) epidemic currently spreading in India. The organization clarified on Wednesday that Chinese health authorities had confirmed that there are no unusual outbreak patterns or strain on the healthcare system in China, where the virus has also been reported.
India has recorded eight confirmed HMPV cases so far, with a six-month-old girl in Mumbai being the latest case, marking the third such instance in Maharashtra. Other states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have also reported multiple cases of the virus. The outbreak has raised alarms, particularly after unverified videos and images circulated online showing people in China wearing masks and crowding hospitals, leading to comparisons with the COVID-19 pandemic that first emerged from China in 2019.
Despite these concerns, the WHO stated that Chinese officials had confirmed no emergency declarations or unusual responses had been triggered by the virus. The health authorities also reported that hospital utilization in China is currently lower than the same time last year, indicating that the virus is not overwhelming the healthcare system.
Dr. Margaret Harris from WHO addressed the public’s concerns by explaining that HMPV is not a new or novel virus. It was first discovered in 2001 and has been circulating among humans for years. The virus typically causes respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold and is most active during winter and spring.
WHO has advised against implementing any travel or trade restrictions related to the current outbreak, citing the low risk level based on their assessments. The organization’s clarification is aimed at preventing unnecessary panic and ensuring that responses are grounded in facts.
The virus is prevalent worldwide, and while it is causing concern in India, the WHO has emphasized that it does not pose an abnormal threat.
