Amid reports of an outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illnesses among children in northern China, India’s Union Health Ministry said they are vigilantly monitoring the situation. While concerns have been raised globally, the ministry emphasizes that there is currently a low risk to India from both the avian influenza cases in China and the clusters of respiratory illnesses.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also issued a statement regarding the situation in northern China, which has seen an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in recent weeks. While investigations are ongoing, no unusual pathogen or unexpected clinical manifestations have been identified as the cause of these illnesses. However, the usual culprits responsible for respiratory illnesses in children have been implicated.
.@MoHFW_INDIA is closely monitoring the outbreak of H9N2 and clusters of respiratory illness in children in China
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 kind… pic.twitter.com/hcIMzNTHtx
— PIB India (@PIB_India) November 24, 2023
Meeting Conducted
In light of the recent human case of H9N2 avian influenza reported to WHO in October 2023 in China, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in India convened a meeting to discuss preparedness measures against potential human cases of avian influenza. WHO’s overall risk assessment indicates a low probability of human-to-human transmission and a low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported thus far. However, the need to strengthen surveillance in human, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors, along with enhancing coordination, has been recognized.
India is prepared for any kind of exigency that may emerge
It is pertinent to note that India has reaffirmed its readiness to respond to any public health exigency. The country is adopting a One Health approach, emphasizing a holistic and integrated roadmap to address public health issues. Notably, India has significantly bolstered its health infrastructure, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Prime Minister-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched to develop the capacities of health systems and institutions across all levels of care, from primary to tertiary, to effectively respond to current and future pandemics and disasters.
Additionally, India’s surveillance and detection networks, operated under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), have amassed valuable experience in dealing with challenging health situations during the COVID-19 pandemic..
