Increase in Respiratory Illnesses in China
Hospitals in northern China and Beijing have seen a surge in respiratory illnesses among children, including pneumonia. The World Health Organization has requested more information on these cases from Chinese authorities. Is this cause for concern, especially for travelers to China? To help us understand the situation, CNN spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, a medical expert on wellness.
Dr. Wen explains that thus far, based on information from the WHO, the spike in respiratory illnesses does not pose a global threat. There’s no evidence of a new pathogen emerging. The surge in outpatient and hospital visits can be attributed to known pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These increases are not unexpected after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
The spike in respiratory illnesses reflects a pattern observed in the United States and elsewhere, where the end of COVID-19 mitigation measures led to a surge in common viruses among children. In China, the lifting of mitigation measures explains the increase in respiratory illnesses.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common bacterial cause of pneumonia that affects around 1% of the US population annually. Infections are most common in young adults and children. Dr. Wen also explains that other organisms, such as Streptococcus, RSV, and COVID-19, can cause pneumonia.
Regarding travel to China, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions based on the current information. Precautions for those in China include staying home when sick, ensuring good ventilation, and wearing masks as appropriate. Vulnerable individuals should take additional precautions, like wearing masks in indoor, crowded places.
In preparation for potential surges in respiratory illnesses, governments and health systems should bolster their infrastructure and capacity to treat patients who may require hospital care. This will help mitigate the impact of the surge in respiratory illnesses this winter.
