Mysterious Pneumonia Outbreak: China Hospitals Flooded With Sick Children

A mysterious pneumonia outbreak in the People’s Republic of China has resulted in hospitals being overwhelmed with sick children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sought detailed information about these cases.

China may be facing another possible health emergency because pneumonia cases have swept through schools. The rising number of sick children in China has caused concern among global health experts.

Mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China

The pneumonia outbreak in China has resulted in an overwhelming number of sick children. Most cases are from Beijing and Liaoning provinces in China. 

The mysterious pneumonia outbreak has also led to the suspension of classes in some schools. In Beijing and Liaoning provinces, both students and teachers have fallen ill. 

A Chinese resident told Taiwanese news website FTV News, “Many children are hospitalized. They don’t cough and have no symptoms. They just have a high temperature and many develop pulmonary nodules.”

China also witnessed an increase in cases of undiagnosed pneumonia. However, no deaths have been reported so far. 

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WHO seeks detailed information from China

The World Health Organisation (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), sought detailed information from China on an increase in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia in children.

On 21 November, ProMed, the largest disease surveillance platform conducting global reporting of infectious diseases outbreaks, issued an alert over the undiagnosed pneumonia affecting children in China.

Eric Feigl-Ding, the Chief of COVID Task Force at the New England Complex Systems Institute, shared a video of people in China wearing face masks amid the mysterious pneumonia outbreak.

What is the cause of the mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China?

According to some medical professionals, mycoplasma pneumoniae, also known as “walking pneumonia” is a potential cause of the mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China. 

The bacterial infection causes mild infections. If not treated, it can lead to more severe conditions. Sometimes, hospitalization is also required to treat the infection. 

The WHO said, “It is unclear if these are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities or separate events.”

WHO advice to people

Vaccination

Distance from people who are ill

Staying home when ill

Getting tested and medical care as needed

Wearing masks

Good ventilation

Regular hand-washing