New Delhi: Amid a sudden surge in mysterious pneumonia cases in China, India is closely monitoring the health situation in its neighbouring country, as per the statement from the Union Health Ministry on Friday.
The ministry also mentioned that there is a low risk to India from both the avian influenza cases reported in China and the clusters of respiratory illness.
“Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China,” said the Health Ministry in its press release.
Regarding the surge in respiratory illness cases among children, the Health Ministry, citing the WHO, affirmed the absence of any identification of an unusual pathogen or unexpected clinical manifestations.
Recently, a meeting chaired by the Directorate General Of Health Services (DGHS) discussed the measures taken to prepare for human cases of Avian Influenza. This meeting was prompted by a reported human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in China in October 2023, shared with WHO. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has communicated a low probability of human-to-human transmission of H9N2 (aviation influenza).
After the repercussions of the devastating impact of COVID-19, China is facing a sudden upswing in cases of pneumonia among children. Multiple reports highlight a significant increase in hospitalizations across the nation.
The surge in respiratory illnesses among children has come in the backdrop of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the resurgence of well-known pathogens, including influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, a widespread bacterial infection, that mainly targets the young population, etc, according to China officials.
Mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria is responsible for mild infections affecting a person’s respiratory system. Sometimes, it can cause serious lung infections that can lead to hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The increase in respiratory ailments among children coincides with the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and the reemergence of familiar pathogens, such as influenza and mycoplasma pneumonia. Chinese officials state that mycoplasma pneumonia, a common bacterial infection predominantly affecting the young population, is among these pathogens.
Mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria is accountable for mild respiratory infections and, in some cases, can result in severe lung infections leading to hospitalization, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.