Daily Current Affairs : 25-November-2023
As China enters its first winter season post lifting Covid-19 restrictions, an alarming surge in respiratory illnesses, particularly among children, has caught the attention of health authorities. The Health Ministry of India has issued a statement, emphasizing its close monitoring of the outbreak of H9N2, a subtype of the Influenza A virus.
Key Points of Concern
Clustering of Respiratory Cases in Northern China
Reports highlight a concerning pattern of respiratory illnesses clustering among children in northern China. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a statement, indicating the severity of the situation.
Demographic Vulnerability
The spike in undiagnosed pneumonia cases primarily affects children, but there is growing concern for the vulnerability of the elderly and pregnant women. This calls for urgent attention and effective preventive measures.
Surveillance and Coordination
To tackle the situation effectively, there is a crucial need for strengthening surveillance across human, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors. Coordination between these sectors is vital for a comprehensive response to the emerging health crisis.
WHO’s Risk Assessment
While the WHO acknowledges the spike in cases, the overall risk assessment indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and a low case fatality rate among reported human cases of H9N2. This provides some relief but underscores the importance of proactive measures.
India’s One Health Approach
India, in response to the emerging threat, is adopting a One Health approach. This holistic strategy integrates human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing a united front to address public health challenges.
Understanding H9N2: A Growing Menace
Historical Perspective
H9N2, a subtype of the Influenza A virus, was first isolated in the US in 1966 from turkey flocks. It has since become the most common subtype in Chinese chickens, causing significant economic losses in the poultry industry despite vaccination efforts.
Transmission and Symptoms
The virus can be transmitted through air droplets, dust, feed, or water. While infected chickens may appear healthy, some exhibit signs of depression and ruffled feathers. The World Health Organisation warns that exposure to the avian influenza virus can lead to a spectrum of infections, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory diseases or even death.
Important Points:
- Emerging Threat in China: H9N2 Outbreak
- Respiratory illnesses surge in China, particularly affecting children.
- Health Ministry of India closely monitors H9N2 outbreak.
- WHO issues a statement acknowledging clustering of respiratory cases.
- Key Concerns
- Spike in undiagnosed pneumonia, especially among children.
- Vulnerability of the elderly and pregnant women raises alarms.
- Urgent need for strengthened surveillance across human, animal, and wildlife sectors.
- Emphasis on improved coordination among sectors for an effective response.
- WHO’s Risk Assessment
- Acknowledges spike in cases.
- Indicates low probability of human-to-human spread.
- Notes a low case fatality rate among reported human cases of H9N2.
- India’s One Health Approach
- Adopts holistic strategy integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
- Aims for a united front to address emerging public health challenges.
- Understanding H9N2: A Growing Menace
- Historical background: First isolated in 1966 from turkey flocks in the US.
- Current prevalence: Most common subtype in Chinese chickens, causing economic losses despite vaccination efforts.
- Transmission and Symptoms
- H9N2 transmitted through air droplets, dust, feed, or water.
- Infected chickens may appear healthy, but some show signs of depression and ruffled feathers.
- Exposure to avian influenza virus can lead to a range of infections, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory diseases or death.
Why In News
China is seeing a spike in respiratory illnesses as it enters its first full winter season after lifting Covid-19 restrictions last December. The Health Ministry stated that India is closely monitoring the outbreak of H9N2, emphasizing the global concern over the potential emergence of new respiratory threats.
MCQs about H9N2 in China
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What is the primary demographic group affected by the surge in respiratory illnesses in China due to H9N2?
A. Elderly
B. Pregnant women
C. Children
D. Young adults
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Which organization has issued a statement acknowledging the clustering of respiratory cases in northern China?
A. United Nations (UN)
B. World Health Organisation (WHO)
C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
D. International Red Cross
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What is the overarching approach that India is adopting to address the H9N2 outbreak?
A. Biomedical Approach
B. Holistic One Health Approach
C. Vaccination Strategy
D. Quarantine and Isolation
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According to the World Health Organisation, what is the overall risk assessment for human-to-human spread and case fatality rate related to H9N2?
A. High probability of human-to-human spread; high case fatality rate
B. Low probability of human-to-human spread; low case fatality rate
C. Moderate probability of human-to-human spread; variable case fatality rate
D. Insufficient data for assessment
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