Posted on November 30, 2023
India has issued a directive instructing states to assess their preparedness and activate their health infrastructure in response to the sudden surge in respiratory illnesses in China. The increase in cases, particularly among children, has raised concerns reminiscent of the early days of the Covid pandemic when it initially presented as a mysterious pneumonia.
Although the new virus in China has affected several schools, the government asserts that no unusual or novel pathogens have been identified so far. The spike in cases among children has led to a surge in hospital visits by anxious parents, straining top pediatric medical centers. Images of overcrowded hallways and children receiving intravenous infusions have circulated widely on Chinese social media, prompting some parents to advocate for temporary school closures to prevent further spread.
The first case of unknown pneumonia was reported by China’s National Health Commission on November 13, with subsequent cases leading to hospitalizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently sought more information from China after a report by the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) highlighted clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children.
While the outbreak is primarily centered in Beijing, it has also affected the northeastern Liaoning province and other areas in China. Hospitals, especially in Beijing, are facing significant challenges, with one major hospital reporting an average of 1,200 emergency room visits per day.
Chinese health authorities attribute the rise in infections to a combination of known viruses and the first full cold season after the relaxation of strict Covid restrictions in December. Symptoms include fever, lung inflammation without a cough, and pulmonary nodules. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.
Concerns about the virus spreading to other countries, including India, have led to precautionary measures. India has advised states, including Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, to review their readiness and prepare health infrastructure for potential cases of respiratory issues.
The WHO recommends following standard protocols to prevent respiratory illnesses, such as isolation if symptoms arise, testing, and mask-wearing when necessary. Despite the situation, the WHO currently advises against implementing travel restrictions related to China based on the available information.