Mystery Virus Spreading Through China; Know about India's Call regarding the virus

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• Nov 29, 2023 | Poonam Nath

On November 13, China's National Health Commission reported the first instance of an unusual pneumonia...

Digital Desk: The rapid increase in respiratory diseases across China has brought back memories of COVID-19's early days when it also appeared as strange pneumonia. 

The new virus has already infiltrated multiple Chinese schools, yet the government insists that no uncommon or novel infections have been discovered.

The majority of the cases have been reported in youngsters, and the spike has prompted a rush to hospitals by worried parents, straining premier paediatric medical centres.

Images of congested corridors and youngsters receiving intravenous treatments have gone viral on Chinese social media. Some parents have also urged for interim school closures to avoid the spread of the virus.

On November 13, China's National Health Commission reported the first instance of an unusual pneumonia. Since then, there has been an increase in instances, with the majority of these resulting in hospitalisations.

The WHO requested more information from China this week, citing a report from the Programme for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) on clusters of undetected pneumonia in children.

This outbreak is claimed to be centred mostly in Beijing, but also in northeastern Liaoning province and other parts of China. "One major hospital in Beijing has reported that on average every day, they are seeing about 1,200 patients enter their emergency room," according to a report last week by Al Jazeera.

Following the relaxation of severe Covid restrictions, Chinese health officials have reported an increase in illnesses associated with the country's first complete cold season. 

Fever, lung inflammation without a cough, and pulmonary nodules are among the symptoms. There have been no reported deaths. Mycoplasma pneumonia, a common cause of childhood pneumonia, is a mild infection with symptoms comparable to a cold. 

It rarely necessitates hospitalisation but can linger for weeks, and younger children with a developing immune system are more vulnerable.

Is it possible for the virus to spread to India and other countries?

In contrast to COVID-19, mycoplasma is a well-known and prevalent germ that causes new outbreaks every few years. Other viruses, like RSV, are also prevalent, implying that countries around the world will certainly encounter a variety of infections this winter.

India has issued a guideline ordering states to assess their preparedness and activate their healthcare infrastructure. State governments in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu have ordered hospitals and healthcare workers to be ready to treat patients with respiratory problems.

How Can You Avoid This Virus?

The WHO advised people in impacted areas to follow standard precautions to avoid respiratory infections. These include isolating yourself if symptoms appear and being tested or wearing masks if necessary.

Based on existing evidence, the WHO recommends against any travel restrictions affecting China.