India ready to deal with COVID-19-like disease in China

India has said it is ready to deal with the new coronavirus as the number of cases in neighboring China surges.

China reassures that respiratory infections tend to peak in winter - Photo: REUTERS

On January 4, the Indian Ministry of Health convened a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting to assess the increasing number of cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) causing respiratory illness in neighboring China over the past few weeks.

The JMG meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of India and was attended by experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and hospitals.

"Data from recent preparedness drills across the country shows that the country is well prepared to deal with any surge in respiratory diseases," Mint quoted the Indian government as saying.

Reports indicate that China is seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses, particularly coronavirus-like human pneumonia caused by HMPV, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These illnesses typically occur in winter and raise concerns about potential health risks.

India assessed that the virus was raging globally and said that "the situation in China is not unusual considering the ongoing influenza season".

NCDC India is closely monitoring the cases of respiratory infections and seasonal influenza in the country. "We have analysed the data on respiratory outbreaks in the country. The data shows that there has been no significant increase in December 2024 and there has been no report of large number of cases from any of our institutions," said Dr Atul Goyal of DGHS.

Like many respiratory infections, HMPV is spread from person to person through secretions from coughing, sneezing, shaking hands, contact... To prevent infection, people should regularly wash their hands with soap and avoid close contact with sick people.

If you have the above symptoms or cold-like symptoms, you should cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; wash your hands as often as possible, avoid sharing cups and other utensils...

China is currently experiencing a surge in HMPV cases. Social media posts have raised concerns that the virus is spreading rapidly across the country, potentially overwhelming health care facilities. However, China has not yet officially declared HMPV an epidemic.

Chinese spokeswoman Mao Ning this weekend reassured that this was a normal phenomenon because "respiratory infections tend to peak in winter." "I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of its citizens and foreigners coming to China," NDTV quoted Mao as saying on January 4, adding that "traveling in China is safe."

Asked about hospital overcrowding and reports of a rise in respiratory illnesses, Mao said respiratory illnesses "seem to be less severe and spreading on a smaller scale than last year."

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/an-do-san-sang-doi-pho-benh-giong-covid-19-o-trung-quoc-20250105073412356.htm