India Well Prepared For Any Public Health Emergency In View Of H9N2 Cases And Respiratory Illness in China

Delhi/Hyderabad, Nov 24 (Hydnow): The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in northern China following reports of an outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness among children. While acknowledging these developments, the ministry asserts that the risk of either the avian influenza case or the respiratory illness clusters spilling over into India is low.

Recent reports have indicated the clustering of respiratory illness cases in children in northern China, which has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue a statement [link to WHO statement]. The WHO has stated that while there has been an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China over the past few weeks, no unusual pathogen or unexpected clinical manifestations have been identified.

In response to a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) reported to the WHO in October 2023 in China, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) convened a meeting to discuss preparedness measures against human cases of Avian Influenza in India. The WHO’s overall risk assessment indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and a low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to date. The meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening surveillance across human, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors, as well as improving coordination.

The Union Health Ministry has reassured the public that India is well-prepared for any public health emergency. The country is adopting a One Health approach, focusing on a holistic and integrated roadmap to address public health issues. There has been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched to enhance the capacities of health systems and institutions at all levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary—to respond effectively to current and future pandemics and disasters. Additionally, India’s surveillance and detection networks under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have gained valuable experience in dealing with challenging health situations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ministry’s reassurance is based on the following factors:

Low risk of human-to-human spread: The WHO’s risk assessment indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread of H9N2.

Low case fatality rate: The case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to date is low.

Strong surveillance and detection networks: India’s surveillance and detection networks under the IDSP have gained valuable experience in dealing with challenging health situations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the risk of either the avian influenza case or the respiratory illness clusters spilling over into India is low, the Union Health Ministry is taking proactive measures to ensure that the country is well-prepared for any eventuality. (Hydnow) 

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