China is once again in the headlines due to mysterious flu. Diseases like flu and pneumonia are increasing rapidly in children of North China. The situation is that more than 13 thousand cases have been registered in 24 hours. There is a long waiting time for hospitalization, some schools have also been closed.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sent a formal message asking China to share detailed explanations about the increase in unknown pneumonia and respiratory diseases in children. As per reports, long lines at children's hospitals, with doctors saying this year's wave is much higher than last year. Hospitals in the capital cities of Beijing and Tianjin have seen a surge in cases of children suffering from pneumonia and flu.
Beijing's General Hospital is reportedly receiving 550 to 650 kids daily, which is 30 to 50 percent more than last year.
At the same time, Liu Wei, director of the Children's Hospital of Tianjian, reportedly said that in the last 24 hours, 13,171 children have been admitted to our two campuses. Our staff is nervous. They are working hard, they also have children at home, who are suffering from fever.
The increase in respiratory illnesses in China has been described as the nation entering its its first full flu season since lifting COVID-19 restrictions. As per the WHO, the disease is brought about by known micro organisms, and there is no sign that it represents a worldwide danger.
Chinese health authorities, tending to the circumstances during a press encounter on November 13, explained that the rise in illnesses is not linked to new or unusual virus. The surge, they argue, is a consequence of the removal of COVID-19 restrictions, allowing the circulation of familiar virus, including influenza and common bacterial infections affecting children. However, as the WHO probes further, questions about the connection between the reported pneumonia in children and the broader increase in respiratory infections.
The WHO, on Wednesday, requested detailed data from China about the flooding in respiratory illness and the clusters of pneumonia in children. The organization remains in close contact with clinicians and scientists in China through existing technical partnerships and networks, aiming to grasp the full scope of the health crisis.
A staff member at Hubei Medical clinic said - her kid has developed pneumonia, there is a waiting list of 5 days for his admission. Pediatric doctors are not getting appointments. There are no vacant beds in hospitals. Due to admission of many children simultaneously, there is a shortage of pediatric doctors in hospitals. The help of senior doctors in cardio neurology, etc is being taken.
The WHO's proactive stance advises individuals to follow preventive measures, including vaccination, maintaining distance, staying home when feeling unwell, practicing hand hygiene, and using masks appropriately. Despite the challenges, experts emphasize that pneumonia, unlike COVID-19, is not a new virus, and effective antibiotics are available for treatment.
As China navigates this surge in respiratory illnesses, the WHO's inquiry emphasize the ongoing importance of transparency and collaboration in global health efforts. The parallels with past health crises highlight the complexities of transitioning from strict pandemic measures to a more open environment, urging a careful balance between public health and normalcy.