Another Covid like scare? China dismisses concerns, calls outbreak 'winter occurrence'
PTC News Desk: The spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) a respiratory illness has once again triggered concerns across the globe with countries closely monitoring the situation.
However China has dismissed claims of concerns while describing the outbreak as mere 'winter occurrence'. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday that "Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season".
Reassuring citizens and tourists, she said "I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China", adding that "It is safe to travel in China". However India has asked its citizen to not panic over Human Metapneumovirus outbreak in China.
"There has been news doing the rounds about a Metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear on that count. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes the common cold, and in the very old and the very young it could cause flu-like symptoms," Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official Dr Atul Goel said.
"We have analysed data on the respiratory outbreaks within the country. There is no substantial increase in December 2024 data and no cases which have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions," he further said.
Indian was among many other countries that were drastically affected with the Covid outbreak
- PTC NEWS
