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China Respiratory Illness: India has increased vigilance after the increase in cases of respiratory infection in China. Along with this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been asked to share information on time. According to the Health Ministry, a joint monitoring group meeting was organized under the chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services on Saturday (January 4). Keeping in mind the situation in China, the need for preparation in India was discussed in the meeting.
Experts from many institutions including WHO, Disaster Management Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, National Center for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research and AIIMS, Delhi participated in this meeting. Experts say that at present the increase in cases of respiratory infections is due to seasonal flu and this is not unusual. The Health Ministry said that the viruses responsible for these diseases, such as influenza virus, RSV and HMPV, are commonly found in this season.
Viral video raises concerns in China
In some videos going viral from China, hospitals are shown struggling with the huge number of patients. In these videos, Human Metapneumo Virus (HMPV) has been held responsible for the increasing cases of infection. On this, Director General of Health Services, Dr. Atul Goyal clarified that HMPV is a common respiratory virus which usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. Although this virus can cause more problems for the elderly and children, at present it is not considered a serious or worrying situation.
Dr. Goyal said that cases of respiratory infections increase during winter and our hospitals are fully prepared to deal with it. He also told that there are sufficient beds and oxygen supply in hospitals. Till now there has not been much increase in the cases of respiratory infections in India, due to which people do not need to panic.
India appealed to WHO
According to the information, HMPV infection, like Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses, spreads through coughing, sneezing and close contact with infected people. Its common symptoms include fever, difficulty in breathing, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and headache. However, in some patients it can also cause problems like bronchitis and pneumonia. Currently, there is no vaccine or effective medicine available against this virus and its treatment is mainly based on controlling the symptoms.
The Indian government has requested WHO to share timely information on the situation in China. The government is monitoring the situation through all available means. Experts say that India should remain alert, but there is no need to worry at present.
