Following reports of avian influenza cases in the United States, the Union health ministry stated on Monday that it is actively assessing the situation daily. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that the current outbreak poses a low public health risk at present.
In response to media reports concerning the detection of avian influenza in cattle and milk across several U.S. states, a video conference chaired by the Director General of Health Services was held on April 28, 2024. This conference aimed to review the ongoing situation of Seasonal Influenza with the State of Maharashtra. Participants included the Animal Husbandry Commissioner, officers from ICMR Headquarters and ICMR-NIV Pune, as well as representatives from CSU IDSP, State Surveillance Unit, District Surveillance Unit in Nashik, and health officials from Malegaon, as stated by the health ministry.
The WHO has cautioned that the risk of infection is currently low to moderate for individuals with exposure to infected birds, animals, or contaminated environments. The organization highlighted ongoing investigations into the potential transmission of the virus through milk. The WHO’s statement on Friday emphasized that while initial cases in dairy cattle herds in the U.S. appeared to stem from wild bird transmission, subsequent cases may have involved lateral transmission among cattle.
Experts emphasized during the health ministry’s review that practicing proper hygiene, such as boiling milk and cooking meat at adequate temperatures, could help prevent potential transmission of the virus from contaminated products to humans.
As of now, there have been no reports of human-to-human transmission in India. The WHO stressed the importance of real-time monitoring of the evolving risk posed by avian influenza, urging member states to swiftly share information to facilitate this process.
The UN health body highlighted the emergence and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses globally since 2020, including detections in non-avian species such as mammals. Notably, instances of A(H5N1) in goats and dairy cattle have been reported in the U.S.
In response to the situation, the health ministry has intensified seasonal influenza surveillance nationwide, particularly advising older individuals with underlying health conditions and young children to take extra precautions.
The ministry underscored the need for vigilant surveillance through a network of laboratories across the country to track cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). Guidelines have been issued to states regarding the categorization of patients, treatment protocols, and ventilator management for seasonal influenza cases. Additionally, state governments have been directed to conduct vaccination drives for healthcare workers dealing with H1N1 cases.
As of now, the health ministry reassures that the situation is under control and is being closely monitored concerning seasonal and avian influenza viruses.
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