Tracking China H9N2 case, respiratory illness spike, low India risk: Government
NEW DELHI,NOV 24: Union Health Ministry on Friday said it is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China. There is low risk to India from both the avian influenza case reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness.
The health ministry said that the country is prepared for any kind of emergency that may emerge from the current situation.
“India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency. India is embarking on a One Health approach to adopt a holistic and integrated roadmap towards addressing such public health issues. There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure especially since the COVID pandemic,” said the health ministry in a statement.
Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) held a meeting recently to discuss the preparedness measures against cases of Avian Influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to WHO.
The health ministry in the statement said that the “overall risk assessment by World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates a low probability of human to human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far.”
The ministry also stressed upon the need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wild life sectors and improving coordination.
China is facing another possible health emergency after Covid-19 — a mysterious pneumonia outbreak has swept through schools and resulted in hospitals being overwhelmed with sick children. This has caused concern among global health experts.
The epicentres of this outbreak are Beijing and Liaoning province, where pediatric hospitals are facing an overwhelming number of sick children. The severity of the situation has led to the suspension of classes in some schools, as both students and teachers have fallen ill, a situation reminiscent of the early days of Covid-19.
-PTI
