People all throughout the world are experiencing déjà vu as China experiences a surge in respiratory diseases as it begins its first proper winter season following the relaxation of Covid-19 limits in December.
Here is what it is currently know about the circumstances.
Incumbent situation
In China, the number of cases of respiratory ailments recorded has increased. The ailments, which were first announced at a press conference by China’s National Health Commission on November 13, have resulted in an increase in hospital admissions, with several institutions issuing wait times. This week, the WHO requested further information from China regarding undetected pneumonia cases in children, citing a report by the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED).
Hotspot
China’s northeastern areas have seen a surge in infections, with Beijing and Liaoning, which are 800 kilometers apart, serving as two of the main centers. “One major hospital in Beijing has reported that on average every day, they are seeing about 1,200 patients enter their emergency room,” Al Jazeera said on Thursday.
Worst affected
A significant fraction of hospitalized patients are children, and the number of cases among them is particularly high.
According to some specialists, the high prevalence among children is really a good thing, meaning that older people may have some immunity to the diseases that are spreading widely. This would thus imply that people are likely to benefit from the current vaccinations in terms of disease prevention. But in addition to kids, pregnant women and the elderly might also be at risk.
Reason for this outbreak
The outbreak has been attributed by Chinese officials and numerous international health experts to the relaxation of Covid-19 regulations, akin to the “lockdown exit waves” observed in other nations. Francois Belloux, director of University College London’s Genetic Institute, tweeted that China might be making up for a prolonged and strict lockdown that “must have drastically reduced the circulation of respiratory bugs and hence decreased immunity to endemic bugs.”
In addition, the arrival of winter is also a contributing factor. According to Chinese officials, the mercury will continue to drop starting this weekend.
Chinese authorities’ move
Chinese authorities have urged the people to increase awareness and take preventative action, even if they have refrained from restoring the tight restrictions that were in place during the Covid-19 pandemic. The WHO suggested: “keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand-washing.”
Will things change for the good?
No. According to Chinese officials, mycoplasma pneumoniae will remain high in some locations for the foreseeable future, and influenza will peak this winter and in the spring. Additionally, they have called for tightening the reporting procedures and cautioned about the possibility of a recurrence in Covid-19 infections.
Is it India’s concern as well?
Not at all. At least not just yet. First off, for the time being, the outbreak is still mostly limited. Even without a complete lockdown, China has increased testing and monitoring. Authorities are probably being extra cautious, especially after the pandemic a few years ago.
