India is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases after social media reports of a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms, outbreak in China. India said it is in communication with international agencies to stay updated on developments.

Director General of Health Services, Dr. Atul Goel, described HMPV as a respiratory virus that typically causes common cold-like symptoms, with flu-like effects particularly affecting young children and the elderly. He clarified that an analysis of India's respiratory outbreak data for December 2024 shows no significant increase or unusual case clusters from healthcare institutions across the country.

Dr. Goel said that there is no reason for concern at this time. He said that hospitals are routinely prepared for a rise in respiratory infections during winter, with adequate supplies and bed capacity to handle such cases.

The spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has raised health concerns, as images and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals circulate on social media with many reports drawing parallels between the current HMPV outbreak, first identified in 2001, and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, which ultimately resulted in over 7 million deaths worldwide.

The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines has dismissed reports circulating on social media about an alleged international health concern after it was reported on social media that hospitals and crematories in China are allegedly being overwhelmed by cases of influenza A, human metapneumovirus, mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19.

“The Philippines, through the Department of Health, is an active participant in the network of WHO member-states that follow international health regulations. This established system is what gives reliable updates about international health concerns,” it noted. The DOH said it is verifying all information and will keep the public updated.

The World Health Organisation has not issued any statement on the issue so far.

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