The Union Health Ministry on November 24 said that it is actively monitoring the H9N2 outbreak and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China. The ministry assured that India faces a low risk from both the avian influenza cases in China and the respiratory illness clusters. Preparedness measures have been implemented to address potential exigencies arising from the current influenza situation in China, it added.
Media reports highlight respiratory illness clusters in northern China, prompting a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO). The ministry emphasized that recent increases in respiratory diseases in China are attributed to usual causes, with no identification of unusual pathogens or unexpected clinical manifestations.
"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," the ministry said.
Also read: China pneumonia outbreak: China says no unusual pathogens found, Indian doctors advise to be watchful
A meeting under the Directorate General of Health Services discussed preparedness against human cases of avian influenza, referencing a reported H9N2 (avian influenza virus) case in China. The WHO's overall risk assessment indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and a low case fatality rate.
"The overall risk assessment by the WHO indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to the WHO so far. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognised. India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency," the ministry added.
India adopts a 'One Health' approach to address public health issues comprehensively, with enhanced health infrastructure post-Covid. The PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission aims to build capacities across all care levels to respond effectively to current and future pandemics.
In addition, India's surveillance and detection networks under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have rich experience of dealing with challenging health situations during the Covid pandemic, the ministry said.
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