In view of reports about rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China in the past few weeks, a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting was held under the Chairmanship of DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Experts from the World Health organization (WHO), the Disaster Management (DM) Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, and hospitals, including AIIMS, Delhi participated in the meeting.
Situation in China is not unusual
After detailed discussions and based on the currently available information, the experts said 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 Influenza virus, RSV and HMPV. These are 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.
Experts said these viruses are already in circulation globally including India. A robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza is already in place in India through both ICMR and IDSP networks. The data from both indicates no unusual surge in ILI & SARI cases.
Physicians from hospitals also confirmed that there is no surge in respiratory illness cases in the last few weeks other than the expected seasonal variation.
The health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges.
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