Amid the increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China, the Union Health Ministry on Friday said it is closely monitoring the outbreak of H9N2 and clusters of respiratory illness in children in the neighbouring country.
“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 difficulty that may emerge from the current situation,” the ministry said in a statement.
Sources in the ministry said, “What we have accessed is that It’s a cocktail of viruses that is leading to a surge in China. It is not a zoonotic virus-like coronavirus.”
The statement came after media reported that Chinese hospitals have been “overwhelmed with sick children” as an outbreak of pneumonia escalates in cities across the country, including Beijing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also sought detailed reports from China on increased respiratory illnesses among children.
H9N2 OUTBREAK IN CHINA: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
Based on the currently available information, an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China has been reported in the last few weeks. The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any 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 against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to WHO.
IS H9N2 VIRUS RISKY?
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 to WHO so far.
The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognised.