Union Health Secretary reviews present situation of respiratory illnesses in the country, and status of public health measures for their management
Reports indicate rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China in the past few weeks. As a result, a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting took place today. It was held under the Chairmanship of DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Experts from various organizations participated in the meeting.
AIIMS experts attended the meeting.
These included the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Disaster Management (DM) Cell. Also present were the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division also participated. Hospitals, including AIIMS, Delhi, sent experts to the meeting.
After discussing in detail and based on the current information, we agreed on the following points:
Respiratory illnesses in China : China’s Flu Season and Global Respiratory Illnesses”
- The situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season. The reports suggest that the present surge is caused by the Influenza virus, with RSV and HMPV being among the usual pathogens expected during the season.
- The government is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels. They have also requested the WHO to share timely updates regarding the situation in China.
- These viruses are already in circulation globally including India.
- A surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) is already in place in India. It also covers Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza. It operates through both ICMR and IDSP networks. The data from both indicates no unusual surge in ILI & SARI cases.
- Physicians from hospitals confirmed that there is no surge in respiratory illness cases. This trend holds for the last few weeks. The variation observed is only the expected seasonal change.
- 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, ICMR will enhance the number of laboratories testing for HMPV. ICMR will also monitor trends of HMPV for the entire year.
- Data from the recently conducted preparedness drill across the Country showed that the Country is well prepared. It can deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses.
The health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant. They ensure the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges.
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