Indian states on alert following China respiratory illness: What you need to know

Five states in India—Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu—have heightened their healthcare infrastructure readiness in response to reports of a surge in respiratory illnesses among children in China. Following the issuance of an advisory to States and Union Territories, the Centre has urged an immediate assessment of public health and hospital readiness, prompting proactive measures.

Key updates

• Karnataka: The Karnataka Health Department has issued an advisory to raise awareness regarding seasonal flu. The advisory defines seasonal flu as an infectious ailment lasting typically five to seven days, recognized for its low morbidity and mortality rates. However, it poses a higher risk to vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those on long-term medications like steroids, potentially necessitating hospitalization.
• Symptoms of seasonal flu: Symptoms include fever, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, myalgia, nausea, sneezing, and a dry cough, which can persist up to three weeks in high-risk groups.

Considering the surge in respiratory illness in China, WHO has released a general advisory for people. I request the public to follow the instructions, know the Dos and Don’ts and take measures to prevent influenza.

If symptoms aggravate, please visit your nearest Government… pic.twitter.com/rRxxUmqK3r

— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) November 28, 2023

• Rajasthan: The state's medical and health department has advised personnel to remain vigilant and establish rapid response teams. Within its guidance, officials have been instructed to devise strategies for both preventing and treating the ailment. Additional Chief Secretary of the Rajasthan Health Department, Shubhra Singh, has urged medical staff to maintain heightened surveillance for infectious diseases and prepare an action plan within three days.
• Uttarakhand: The Uttarakhand government issued an alert directing officials to intensify surveillance in the state. Guidelines have been issued by Dr R. Rajesh Kumar, the Health Secretary of Uttarakhand, instructing medical teams to closely monitor symptoms of pneumonia and influenza in children.
• Gujarat and Tamil Nadu: Both state governments have alerted their healthcare infrastructure and hospitals to enhance and reinforce surveillance for respiratory illnesses.

Karnataka health department's advisory on do's and don'ts:

• Cover the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

• Practice frequent handwashing.

• Avoid unnecessary touching of the face.

• Use face masks in crowded places.

Statement by Union Health Ministry

The Union Health Ministry, in an advisory on November 26, emphasized that the current situation is not significantly alarming but warrants close monitoring. The ministry stated that proactive measures are being taken to review preparedness measures against respiratory illnesses, especially amidst the ongoing influenza and winter season. The government assured that there is no need for alarm, yet active monitoring of the situation persists.