India’s Proactive: Amidst growing concerns over the recent outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illnesses among children in northern China, the Union Health Ministry in India remains vigilant.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, concerns raised by media reports were addressed, reassuring the public of a low risk to India from both avian influenza cases and respiratory illness clusters reported from China.
India’s Proactive Plans
Dr. Ajay Shukla from RML Hospital, speaking to the press, highlighted the World Health Organization’s (WHO) concern about the surge in respiratory illnesses among Chinese children.
He emphasized that specifics about the disease cannot be discussed until details are received and suggested a potential link to decreased immunity among children due to prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns. India has adopted a wait-and-watch approach, with no reported impact so far.
Experts speculate that the respiratory illness may be attributed to a bacterial infection called Mycoplasma pneumonia, yet confirmation awaits detailed information.
Dr. Shukla underlined the global seriousness of the situation, stating, “The whole world is observing this situation with seriousness. Till now, there has not been much impact on India. If anything is reported in India, we will have to take precautions.”
Preparedness measures have been discussed in India, focusing on potential human cases of Avian Influenza. A meeting chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance across the human, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors.
Despite a reported human case of H9N2 in China in October 2023, the WHO’s risk assessment indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and a low case fatality rate.
India, assuring its preparedness for public health emergencies, adopts a holistic One Health approach. The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) enhances health system capacities at all levels, ensuring an effective response to present and future pandemics or disasters.
Post-COVID-19, India’s surveillance and detection networks under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) possess extensive experience in managing challenging health situations.
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