New Delhi, Nov 24: Following the outbreak of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China, the Union Health Ministry of India has confirmed its active monitoring of the situation. The ministry asserted that there is a low risk to India from both the avian influenza cases reported in China and 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.

In a statement released by the health ministry said that “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.”

It further 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.

10 Things you need to know

# China has reported an outbreak of influenza-like illness mostly among children

# World Health Organization (WHO) asked for more details from the country about the mysterious outbreak.

# Reports said that Chinese hospitals are “overwhelmed with sick children” who have symptoms of respiratory illness

# Chinese health authorities have not detected any unusual or novel pathogens

# WHO had sought epidemiologic and clinical information as well as laboratory results through the International Health Regulations mechanism.

# Epidemiologist Eric-Feigl-Dingh shared videos from hospitals and messages from locals in a long thread on X and broke down the situation.

⚠️UNDIAGNOSED PNEUMONIA OUTBREAK—An emerging large outbreak of pneumonia in China, with pediatric hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning overwhelmed with sick children, & many schools suspended. Beijing Children's Hospital overflowing. 🧵on what we know so far:pic.twitter.com/hmgsQO4NEZ

— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) November 22, 2023

# Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission held a press conference on Nov. 13 to report an increase in incidence of respiratory disease.

# U.N. health agency had also asked China for information on known pathogens and the burden on healthcare systems.

# Data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevent showed the influenza positivity rate climbing steadily in October.

# WHO, along with global health authorities, will continue to closely monitor the situation.

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