No Unusual Rise in Respiratory Illnesses in India

India : The Union Health Ministry has reassured the public that there has been no unusual rise in respiratory illnesses or influenza cases in India, following a surge in cases in China. After a meeting of the joint monitoring group on January 4, 2025, the Ministry stated that while China is experiencing a rise in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), these are typical of the flu season and not a cause for alarm.

The Ministry confirmed that India’s surveillance systems, including reports from hospitals, ICMR labs, and other health channels, have not indicated any unusual surge in respiratory illnesses. They also emphasized that the situation in China is being monitored closely through all available channels, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has been urged to provide timely updates regarding the developments there.