Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:00am on 25 Nov 2023,Saturday International
The Union Health Ministry is closely tracking the recent H9N2 avian flu and pediatric respiratory illness outbreaks in China. While reassuring that India currently faces low risk, the ministry noted WHO concerns about the surge in China and lack of details. Expert Dr Ajay Shukla said the respiratory illness spike could stem from lockdown-weakened immunity rather than unusual pathogens. He added that while specifics remain unavailable, the illnesses are possibly bacterial not viral. With no impact in India yet, Shukla stated experts are on "wait and watch" as WHO presses China for transparent data-sharing on the undiagnosed pneumonia wave striking its children post-COVID. He advised precautions if India reports any cases.
