Following a surge in cases of respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, in children in Northern China, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj Thursday said experts will conduct tests to ascertain the type of pathogen currently circulating among patients and ascertain whether it needs special attention. The test, called multiplex PCR (a technique where different DNA sequences are amplified simultaneously), will be carried out on samples received from Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Hospital and Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya. Bharadwaj added that directions have been issued to the state health department to ensure adequate stock of anti-viral drugs in the city for children. He also passed orders to ensure Covid-like preparedness in paediatric departments of city hospitals. “A basic advisory will also be issued for the public so they don’t panic. We believe that as the temperature dips, seasonal health issues like cough, cold and influenza will increase in January,” said Bharadwaj. “We held a meeting with experts from government hospitals, including pulmonologists and paediatric pulmonologists, to understand the situation. So far, there is no unknown pathogen (in circulation). In this season, we often see different bacterial and viral pathogens among patients,” he added. Doctors, meanwhile, have said there is no cause for alarm. According to Dr Nameet Jerath, senior consultant, paediatric pulmonology and critical care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, there is just a surge in respiratory illnesses usually seen around this time every year. “There is no sudden surge of patients in a strange manner. These are routine and typical cases. There is no need to be alarmed.” Dr Jerath added that while the government is testing pathogens, “we too have been doing it in very ill children for a while now and we have seen a typical respiratory flora of mixed viruses and bacteria which is very common at this time of the year”. “Precautionary measures are standard. If the child is sick, has a runny nose, fever, cough and cold, he/she should be at home and not be sent to school as these are respiratory infections that spread by contact and air. Other standard precautions include less exposure to outdoor air during early mornings and evenings when pollution peaks, use of masks etc.” Dr Vikas Maurya, head of the pulmonology department at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said that currently, he has been seeing a routine surge in cases due to the weather change. Advising caution, he added, “Every winter, there is an increase in numbers. Even if it (the illness from China) spreads, it will take another two-three months. We need to keep an eye on the emerging pattern and be prepared.” On Monday, the Union Health Ministry initiated a comprehensive review of preparedness measures against respiratory illnesses and issued advisories to all states and union territories following cases in China. In a letter from the Union Health Secretary to states and UTs, they have been advised to immediately review public health and hospital preparedness measures such as availability of HR, hospital beds, drugs and vaccines for influenza, medical oxygen, antibiotics, personal protective equipment, testing kits and reagents, functionality of oxygen plants and ventilators, infection control practices in health facilities, at a senior level.
