Amid China's surge in respiratory illnesses, government to track serious cases in children
China respiratory illness: To proactively address clusters of respiratory illness in children reported in certain parts of China, the Indian government is initiating comprehensive tracking of serious respiratory diseases, including Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) among children and adolescents. All states are required to report such cases at the district level.
Samples from cases will be sent to advanced regional laboratories for microbe testing, although there are no identified red flags as of now. The surveillance system established for tracking respiratory illnesses related to COVID-19 will be leveraged for this initiative. The Health Ministry has emphasized that India's risk remains low.
States and Union territories are advised to implement the 'Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in the context of COVID-19,' emphasizing integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens causing ILI and SARI. The Health Secretary has urged close monitoring of ILI and SARI trends, particularly among children and adolescents.
The data, including nasal and throat swab samples, will be uploaded on the IDSP-IHIP portal, and testing for respiratory pathogens will be conducted in Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL’s) located in the states.
China has reported an increase in respiratory illnesses in children since mid-October, attributed to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the onset of the cold season. The WHO is monitoring the situation, and while no cause for alarm is identified, the Indian Health Ministry is taking precautionary measures. Immediate reviews of public health and hospital preparedness, resource availability, and infection control practices are underway to ensure citizen safety and well-being.
- With inputs from agencies
