New Delhi: Union Health Ministry said it is closely monitoring the rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China in the past few weeks, and assured India is well-prepared to handle such illnesses.
Given the situation in China, a joint monitoring group meeting was convened under the Chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, here today. Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Disaster Management (DM) Cell, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, and hospitals, including All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi participated in the meeting.
After detailed discussions and based on the currently available information, the following points were agreed upon:
- The situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season. The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is the Influenza virus, Human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus – the usual pathogens that are expected during the season.
- The government is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and WHO has also been requested to share timely updates regarding the situation in China.
- These viruses are already in circulation globally including India.
- A robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) Influenza is already in place in India through both ICMR and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme(IDSP) networks and the data from both indicates no unusual surge in ILI and SARI cases.
- Physicians from hospitals also confirmed that there has been no surge in respiratory illness cases in the last few weeks other than the expected seasonal variation.
- ICMR network also tests for other respiratory viruses such as Adenovirus, RSV, HMPV etc. and these pathogens also do not show an unusual increase in the tested samples. As a precautionary measure, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV will be enhanced by ICMR, and ICMR will be monitoring trends of HMPV for the entire year.
- Data from the recently conducted preparedness drill across the Country indicated that the Country is well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses.
The health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges, the Union Health Ministry stated.
– global bihari bureau
