To address the growing number of respiratory disease cases in China, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) convened a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting. The World Health Organisation (WHO), Disaster Management Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) were among the organisations that sent experts to take part in the meeting.

Following conclusions were drawn after the meeting:

• The surge in respiratory illnesses in China is linked to common seasonal pathogens like the Influenza virus, RSV, and HMPV, which are already circulating globally, including in India.

• India has a robust surveillance system in place for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), which is not showing any concerning trends.

• As a precaution, the ICMR will increase HMPV testing.

• According to data from recent preparedness drills, India is prepared to deal with an increase in respiratory infections, and its health systems are alert to new threats.