In a public disease surveillance system ProMED report, some Chinese hospitals were described as being “overwhelmed with sick children” due to a pneumonia outbreak.
China reports Influenza-like illness outbreak among children; India monitors situation
These cases are colloquially referred to as “walking pneumonia,” as they often do not require hospitalization. However, the recent surge has presented a challenge to hospitals, with waiting times extending to hours and a significant influx of patients. Medical facilities such as the Liulitun Community Health Center in Beijing’s Chaoyang district have taken steps to enhance their capacity and manage the increasing cases by bringing in additional medical staff.
The State Council’s Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism has issued directives to local governments to combat new coronavirus infections and other prevalent infectious diseases. The organization anticipates a peak in the spread of influenza during the winter and spring, along with persistent high rates of mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
Children with mycoplasma infections face significant health risks due to the pathogen’s resistance to certain antibiotics, leading to complications such as rash, meningitis, and hemolytic anemia.
There have been concerns raised about a potential “immunity gap” in China, as the nation is the only one grappling with a substantial outbreak of mycoplasma relative to other Asian countries, the United States, and many European nations. An immunity gap is attributed to China’s strict lockdown measures as part of its zero-Covid strategy, which has led to a lesser exposure of its population to respiratory pathogens, resulting in a lower level of immunity and increased susceptibility to infections.
Although China’s strict lockdown measures have effectively controlled the Covid-19 pandemic, they have inadvertently created a vulnerability to other respiratory pathogens such as influenza and mycoplasma pneumonia, particularly among unvaccinated children, who have missed out on natural exposure due to school closures and social distancing.
While acknowledging the success of China’s lockdown measures in controlling Covid-19, experts have raised concerns over potential challenges as the nation exits its lockdown, given its prolonged and severe restrictions.
The growing resistance of mycoplasma pneumonia strains to antibiotics, such as macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones, has been attributed to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in China, both in human and animal health. This has further complicated treatment and increased the likelihood of severe outcomes among affected individuals.
The true number of walking pneumonia cases in China may surpass official figures due to underreporting and underdiagnoses. Walking pneumonia is not a notifiable disease in China, which means that health authorities do not require doctors to report every case to them. Consequently, the full extent and impact of the walking pneumonia epidemic in China may be underestimated.
Amidst the current outbreak, concerns have been raised about the likelihood of a new variant of Covid. However, preliminary data has indicated that this speculation may not be based on any substantial evidence.
The World Health Organization has advised following normal precautions to prevent respiratory illnesses, including vaccination and isolation if symptoms arise. Despite the surge in cases, there has been no unnecessary public alarm, and parents in Shanghai have expressed confidence in the resolution of the situation.
(With inputs from agencies)
