Still reeling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, China finds itself amidst a mystery pneumonia outbreak. This time, the health emergency is seen in school-going children with symptoms of high-grade fever with no or minimal cough and the presence of pulmonary nodules in the radiographic investigations.
The outbreak has led to a surge in hospital admissions across the country. There are reports of teachers also being affected by the disease. The healthcare system seems to be on the brink of collapse due to the overwhelming situation. The Chinese health officials attribute this outbreak to the reemergence of multiple pathogens like Mycobacterium pneumoniae, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, virus-causing COVID-19, and primarily the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Health officials from the National Health Commission earlier this month convened a press conference to address the ongoing situation, but the undiagnosed pneumonia outbreak was not taken up. According to state media reports, Beijing, which is currently witnessing a cold spell, will see temperatures skydiving below subzero levels. Wang Quanyi, Deputy Director and the chief epidemiological expert at the Beijing Centre for Disease and Prevention, informed the state media that the upsurge in respiratory diseases and the frigid temperatures in the city have coincided.
Considering the gravity of the situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has requested that China provide more detailed data and issued a public health advisory to urge individuals to take steps to minimize their exposure risk. ProMed, a vigilant media and public disease surveillance system, highlighted the presence of undiagnosed pneumonia among children in Northern China a couple of days ago. A similar alert was sounded in December 2019 for the emergence of a novel virus later identified as the coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2. ProMed issued a statement that describes the situation as alarming, with schools on the verge of suspension and hospitals overwhelmed with sick children.
In India, health experts say that the notable absence of coughing or breathlessness, which is a usual presentation seen in pneumonia cases, has added to the mystery surrounding the illness. Dr. Rajesh Chawla, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology and Critical Care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, added that the healthcare personnel are investigating the cases to identify the possible pathogen and establish appropriate management strategies. He also mentioned that the situation needs to be monitored carefully and researched to understand the nature of the disease and implement public health measures to address it.
Dr. Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Consultant PICU of Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said that this outbreak could be related to immunity debt caused by the lifting of restrictions after a prolonged period of time, which has caused the Chinese nationals to be exposed to several pathogens along with low immunity. He further added that, considering the available data, it would be too early to consider this outbreak as a pandemic or an upsurge of an existing infection.
Doctors advise precautionary measures like keeping a safe distance from affected people, staying home when ill, undergoing investigations promptly, seeking medical care, wearing 3-ply masks, good ventilation, regular handwashing, and getting vaccinated to prevent transmission of such communicable diseases. They also recommend refraining from taking antibiotics without doctor consultation. They speculate if the outbreak will eventually turn into a pandemic. But since there is a season for influenza cases, they advise being vaccinated, vigilant, and exercising all precautionary measures.
The world waits with batted breath as to how the situation unfolds further with the devastating memories of COVID-19 afresh in their minds. Authorities, however, advise not to panic and to stay alert.
(By Inputs from Various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sushmita Ganguli)