Five years after the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, China is seeing a rise in respiratory diseases like HMPV, influenza, and RSV, especially among children and the elderly. While Indian news extensively covers the surge, experts say it is not unexpected for this time of year.
How Serious is the Current Situation?
- China’s Response: Chinese officials have stated that the total number of cases in 2024 will be “smaller” than in 2023, and the surge in respiratory diseases is considered typical for the flu season.
- Lack of International Concern: Global health organizations like the WHO and CDC have not raised alarms about the HMPV situation in China.
- India’s Response: Although the situation is currently hyped in Indian media, India’s Joint Monitoring Group, under the Union Health Ministry, has stated that the surge in respiratory diseases aligns with expected seasonal flu patterns.
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- HMPV was first identified in 2001 in children in the Netherlands.
- It primarily affects young children and the elderly, though it can infect individuals of all ages.
- Reinfections are common because the immunity from an initial infection is weak and doesn’t prevent future infections.
- Symptoms and Risks
- HMPV primarily causes upper respiratory tract infections, presenting with symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache.
- In severe cases, particularly among vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, HMPV can lead to lower respiratory tract infections, including bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and exacerbations of asthma or chronic COPD.
Report Findings:
- A 2021 study found that in 2018, 3%-10% of hospital admissions for respiratory diseases and 1% of deaths from acute lower respiratory infections in children under five years were attributed to HMPV globally.
- Children younger than six months, especially in low- and lower-middle-income countries, are at higher risk of death from HMPV infections.
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HMPV Situation in China vs. India
- Surveillance and Testing: In China, the rise in HMPV cases, particularly among children under 14, is attributed to heightened surveillance and testing.
- In contrast, India lacks widely available, affordable tests for HMPV, and while the virus has been circulating in the country for years, diagnostic testing infrastructure is limited outside of the ICMR network.
- Diagnostic Gaps in India: Routine testing for HMPV in patients with acute respiratory diseases is essential, but India is only now expanding testing facilities beyond ICMR labs due to the recent surge in cases in China.
What Needs to Be Done?
- Increase Testing Infrastructure: There is an urgent need for more laboratories to test for HMPV across India. Additionally, affordable, approved diagnostic tests should be made widely available to ensure accurate detection.
- Regulatory Framework and Diagnostic Approvals:
- Faster Approval for Diagnostic Tests: With emerging pathogens like HMPV, India needs a regulatory framework that allows for the rapid approval of diagnostic tests, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic with RT-PCR tests.
- Preparedness for Future Outbreaks: The framework should support the development and deployment of tests for new respiratory viruses, ensuring timely and effective responses to future health crises.
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Conclusion
While the rise in HMPV cases in China is being closely observed, it remains within the expected trends for the flu season. However, there are gaps in surveillance and diagnostic capabilities in India, which must be addressed to prevent any potential outbreaks.
January 6, 2025
