Hygienic practices can prevent H9N2 spread: Experts AP govt forms task force to monitor situation

As concerns rise over the emergence of the H9N2 influenza virus, health experts emphasise the importance of maintaining hygiene practices to curb its spread. A task force, comprising Neonatologists, Paediatricians, Pulmonologists, and General Medicine doctors, has been established by the government to closely monitor the situation, announced Special Chief Secretary Krishna Babu.
Even as the world grapples with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, China is currently experiencing heightened anxiety due to the H9N2 influenza virus. The new virus has particularly instilled fear among parents with children below 10 years of age.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health department swiftly implemented vaccination programs, initially targeting senior citizens and progressively covering individuals with comorbidities, different age groups, and eventually children aged 12 to 18. The administration of second and booster doses followed the emergence of Covid variants, resulting in a decline in infection cases.
However, the recent surge in H9N2 influenza cases among children below 12 years old has raised concerns among parents, as this age group had not been severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Friday, the Union Health Ministry issued a statement, stating, “The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China.” While asserting that there is a low risk to India from the reported avian influenza cases in China, the ministry referred to World Health Organisation (WHO) statements on the clustering of respiratory illness cases in northern China.
Special Chief Secretary MT Krishna Babu provided reassurance on Saturday, stating, “We have formed a task force with Neonatologists, Pediatricians, Pulmonologists, and General Medicine doctors to closely monitor the situation and recommend preparatory measures.” He highlighted the reinforcement of paediatric wards across hospitals during the Covid third wave, ensuring the availability of necessary equipment, including pediatric ventilators.
Dr. B Revanth, a Paediatrician at the Andhra Hospital said that H9N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, affecting both humans and birds. Poultry is identified as a genetic incubator for the H9N2 novel avian influenza virus, which can infect humans. According to the US National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the H9N2 virus is present worldwide in wild birds and is endemic in poultry in many regions.