India Takes Precautionary Measures in Response to Clusters of Respiratory Illnesses in Chinese Children
States in India are set to report all cases of serious respiratory illnesses, such as Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), among children and adolescents at the district level. This proactive measure is in response to clusters of respiratory illnesses reported in children in certain parts of China. Samples will be sent to advanced regional laboratories for testing, and the data will be closely monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP). The move is precautionary, and no red flags have been observed so far. The health ministry is leveraging existing surveillance systems for COVID-19 to enhance monitoring. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring an increase in respiratory illness in Chinese children since mid-October 2023, attributed to various pathogens, including influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2. The Indian health ministry, while reviewing preparedness measures, emphasizes that there is no cause for alarm at present.
What's Your Reaction?
