The Central government has said that the outbreak of new respiratory illness in China does not pose an immediate risk to India.

The statement comes in the wake of media reports indicating the emergence of clusters of respiratory illnesses in children in northern China. In addition, there has also been an outbreak of H9N2 avian influenza in the region.

“India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency,” the Union Health Ministry said.

The Union government said there is currently a low probability of human-to-human spread and a low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported so far.

On the pneumonia-like cases reported in China, the Health Ministry said that there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations.

The Union Health Ministry further stated that a meeting was recently held under the Chairmanship of the Director General Of Health Services to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of Avian Influenza in the country. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognized in the meeting, it added.

It also said that there has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.