China’s Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the recent outbreak of H9N2 infections and respiratory illnesses among children in northern China. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a press release addressing concerns raised by some media reports regarding a cluster of respiratory disease cases in the region.
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The press release reassured that the risk to India from both the avian influenza cases and the cluster of respiratory illnesses reported from China is low. Currently available information suggests that respiratory illnesses have increased in China over the past few weeks. However, the causes remain typical, and no unusual pathogens or unexpected clinical manifestations have been identified.
expert opinion
Dr Ajay Shukla of RML Hospital told ANI that the World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the rapid rise in respiratory illnesses among children in China and is seeking details from the Chinese government.
He said he could not discuss the specifics of the disease until more details were known, adding that the surge could be due to weakened immunity in children due to prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns. Ta. He added that India is waiting and seeing as it has not yet been affected.
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“Some experts say this could be a bacterial infection called mycoplasma pneumonia. We can’t say much without knowing the details. This could be due to a weakened immune system due to lockdown. Until we know the details, we can’t say anything. The whole world is seriously monitoring this situation. So far, there is no major impact on India. If there is any report, we will have to take preventive measures…” Dr Shukla said.
Discuss preparatory measures
According to an ANI report, a recent meeting chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) discussed India’s preparedness for possible human transmission of avian influenza. Notably, this meeting took place after human cases of H9N2 (avian influenza virus) in China were reported to WHO in October 2023.
WHO’s overall risk assessment indicates that human-to-human transmission is unlikely and the fatality rate of reported human H9N2 cases is low. However, we recognize the need for increased monitoring across human, livestock and wildlife sectors. and the importance of improving coordination.
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India is ensuring its preparedness for potential public health emergencies by adopting a holistic One Health approach to address such issues, the report added. Medical infrastructure has been significantly strengthened, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strengthening health systems
In a release from the Ministry of Health, the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) aims to “strengthen the capacity of the health system at all levels, from primary to tertiary health care, to combat current and future pandemics and disasters. We have ensured an effective response.”
He further added that learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s surveillance and detection network under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) also has rich experience in managing difficult health situations.
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