Amid the increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China, the Union Health Ministry on Friday said it is closely monitoring the outbreak of H9N2 and clusters of respiratory illness in children in the neighbouring country.
“There is a low risk to India from both the avian influenza cases reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness. India is prepared for any difficulty that may emerge from the current situation,” the ministry said in a statement.
Sources in the ministry said, “What we have accessed is that It’s a cocktail of viruses that is leading to a surge in China. It is not a zoonotic virus-like coronavirus.”
The statement came after media reported that Chinese hospitals have been “overwhelmed with sick children” as an outbreak of pneumonia escalates in cities across the country, including Beijing.
Also Read: China Sees Surge in ‘Unexplained’ Pneumonia Cases Among Children; WHO Seeks More Details
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also sought detailed reports from China on increased respiratory illnesses among children.
H9N2 Outbreak in China: What We Know So Far
Based on the currently available information, an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China has been reported in the last few weeks. The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations.
A meeting was recently held under the Chairmanship of DGHS to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of Avian Influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to WHO.
Is H9N2 Virus Risky?
The overall risk assessment by WHO indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and a low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far.
The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognised.
Globally, the trend related to H9N2 outbreak is concerning because the initial instances of what later became known as Covid-19 were initially described as unexplained pneumonia in late 2019.
In the latest development, WHO made an official request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children, the United Nations health agency said in a statement on Wednesday.
Where Does India Stand?
According to the health ministry, India is prepared for any public health necessity and will adopt a One Health approach towards addressing such public health issues.
There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) is developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of care at all levels, primary, secondary and tertiary, to prepare health systems to respond effectively to current and future pandemics/disasters.
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