Indian Govt Closely Monitoring Outbreak of H9N2, Clusters of Respiratory Illness in Children in China

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th Nov. The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China. There is a low risk to India from both the avian influenza case reported from China and the clusters of respiratory illness.

Some media reports have indicated a clustering of cases of respiratory illness in children in northern China. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also issued a statement regarding this.

According to the available information, there has been an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China in the last few weeks.

The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been identified, and there is no unusual pathogen or 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. This was in response to a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) reported in China in October 2023.
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 so far.

The need for strengthening surveillance among humans, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors, as well as improving coordination, was recognized. India is prepared for any kind of public health emergency.

The country is adopting a One Health approach to address public health issues holistically and integratively. There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure, especially since the COVID pandemic.

The PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) has been launched to develop capacities of health systems and institutions at all levels of care.

Additionally, India’s surveillance and detection networks under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have experience in dealing with challenging health situations during the COVID-19 pandemic.