China is reporting a concerning uptick in incidences of respiratory illness especially among children. According to media reports, the diseases has led to swamped paediatric units in city hospitals.
Last Sunday, China’s Health Ministry clarified that no new virus is behind the sudden surge in respiratory illnesses across China. This comes after the World Health Organization (WHO), raised concerns over the country reporting “clusters of pneumonia in children”.
“The recent outbreak, primarily impacting school children, may not be a result of China’s strict COVID policies but could be attributed to a new virus or a mutation in an existing respiratory virus affecting this specific age group. Unlike Covid, which predominantly affected adults, this new outbreak raises concerns about a potential vulnerability in children. Given the limited information available, it is essential to prioritize preventive measures such as hand hygiene, influenza vaccinations, isolating affected children, and using face coverings. While the situation is worrisome, maintaining composure is crucial, emphasizing the importance of understanding the virus for effective solutions,” Dr. Sachin Kumar, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Sakra World Hospital said.
Last week the World Health Organization said it was monitoring an increase in “undiagnosed pneumonia in children’s hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning and other places in China”.
According to Dr. Anjali R Nath, Consultant Pulmonologist, SPARSH Hospital, Bangalore, various factors, including viral mutations or environmental conditions, can contribute to the new pneumonia outbreak in China.
“Consultation with experts and thorough investigation is crucial to determine the cause. India should take proactive measures to protect children by enhancing surveillance, encouraging vaccination, and implementing public health awareness campaigns. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, can improve early detection and treatment. Collaborating with international health organizations for information exchange and expertise can also aid preparedness. Additionally, educating the public on preventive measures such as proper hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing remains vital in controlling the spread of respiratory illnesses, particularly in children,” Dr. Nath said.
Here’s what has happened so far:
- After China, a similar outbreak has been reported in the United States. A report by Fox News indicates that hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care facilities, and clinics in Washington D.C. are witnessing an increase in sick visits.
- In India several states have sprung into action, issuing advisories and reviewing their preparedness to tackle such illnesses.
- India’s health ministry has advised all states and Union territories to implement ‘Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in the context of COVID-19’, shared earlier this year
- The authorities have also begun an immediate review of public health and hospital preparedness measures including availability of human resources, hospital beds, drugs and vaccines for influenza, medical oxygen, antibiotics, personal protective equipment, testing kits and reagents, functionality of oxygen plants and ventilators, and infection control practices in health facilities.
- The Karnataka health department has also asked people to be aware of the seasonal flu.
- Rajasthan health department’s advisory indicated that the situation is “not worrisome at present” but the medical staff should keep watch and prevent spread of infectious diseases.
- In Gujarat, health minister Rushikesh Patel said the healthcare infrastructure created during the COVID-19 pandemic was being strengthened as a precautionary step in view of the health crisis among children in China.
- In Uttarakhand, the government directed health officials to step up surveillance for cases of respiratory illnesses.
- According to WHO, there was too little information at the moment to properly assess the risk of these reported cases of respiratory illness in children.
- According to media reports, China has linked rising infections to the arrival of the first full cold season after strict COVID restrictions were lifted last December.
