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Source: The post is based on the article “H9N2: Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring outbreak of H9N2 and clusters of respiratory illness in children in China” published in “PIB” on 24th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China.
What is H9N2?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it | H9N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus |
| Causes | It causes human influenza as well as bird flu. |
| Origin | Poultry is considered a genetic incubator for the origin of the H9N2 virus. |
| First time found in | 1966 in Wisconsin, US from turkey flocks. |
| Symptoms | Mild, flu-like symptoms or eye inflammation to severe, acute respiratory disease or death. |
| Threats and concerns | H9N2 viruses could potentially play a major role in the emergence of the next influenza pandemic. |
What are the steps taken by India to strengthen its health infrastructure since the COVID pandemic?
1) PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
2) Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
| Specifications | Details |
| Launched in | 2004 |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| Aim | 1) To strengthen decentralized laboratory based and IT enabled disease surveillance systems for epidemic prone diseases and monitor disease trends. 2) To detect and respond to outbreaks in the early rising phase through trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs). |
| Components | 1) Integration and decentralization of surveillance activities through establishment of surveillance units at Centre, State and District level. 2) Human Resource Development: Training of State Surveillance Officers (SSOs), District Surveillance Officers (DSOs), RRT and other medical and paramedical staff on principles of disease surveillance. 3) Use of Information Communication Technology for collection, collation, compilation, analysis and dissemination of data. 4) Strengthening of public health laboratories. 5) Inter-sectoral Coordination for zoonotic diseases. |
| Data Management | 1) Data is collected on epidemic prone diseases on a weekly basis. 2) The information is collected on three specified reporting formats namely “S” (suspected cases), “P” (presumptive cases) and “L” (laboratory confirmed cases) filled by Health Workers, Clinicians and Laboratory staff respectively. 3) Whenever there is a rising trend of illnesses in any area, it is investigated by the RRT to diagnose and control the outbreak. |
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