A new health threat is affecting China, where cases of respiratory infections have increased significantly among the population in recent months “Walking Pneumonia”, particularly affects child population.
This phenomenon has attracted global attention because of its nature and the context in which it occurs. Let’s look at the key to this situation:
pathogen combination
Beijing health authorities report that recent outbreaks are caused by a combination of pathogens. Among affected children, adenovirus, he respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and seasonal flu, Exceed 40% Patients of all ages affected by the H3N2 influenza strain.
Vaccination and prevention
Experts stress the importance of this Vaccination, Especially residents, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination provides protection against the H3N2 strain.
Hospital status
in Beijing, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A large number of patients have been reported to be admitted to children’s hospitals with respiratory infections due to an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Since October, several hospitals including Shanghai Huashan Hospital have seen an increase in the influx of respiratory disease patients.
ProMed and WHO alerts
Pramed, Global Surveillance System issues epidemic notification “Undiagnosed pneumonia” among children in northern China, such as Beijing or Liaoning province.World Health Organization (WHO) Requested China detail Regarding the increase in respiratory illnesses. WHO is seeking more information on the symptoms, epidemiology and laboratory results of the reported infections.
Pandemic context and lifting of restrictions
The outbreak is China’s first winter without strict lockdowns under its zero-COVID policy after lifting restrictions on social protests. It is speculated that the removal of these precautions has led to an increase in respiratory infection cases.
The current situation in China reminds us how complex and frequent respiratory diseases are and the challenges they pose to society, especially given that the world today is still Recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. The response of health authorities and the international community is critical to understanding and containing this outbreak, thereby protecting the health of the most vulnerable, and in this case, children.