China's health commission has attributed the recent surge in acute respiratory infections to a combination of pathogens, aiming to allay concerns regarding a novel virus as the source. National Health Commission spokesman Mi Feng highlighted influenza as a significant contributor to the spike in cases during a press conference held on Sunday.
Aside from influenza, Mi Feng mentioned the prevalence of rhinovirus, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and respiratory syncytial virus. He emphasized the necessity for the country to ensure a consistent medicine supply and expand medical treatment areas to address the situation effectively.
Children have been significantly impacted by the outbreaks of respiratory diseases, resulting in anxious parents waiting for extended periods to seek medical assistance for their children. Reports from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Beijing Children’s Hospital indicated a rise in outpatient visits and hospitalizations among children due to known germs causing these illnesses.
This clarification followed a request from the World Health Organization (WHO) seeking more information from China concerning undiagnosed pneumonia cases reported in children’s hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning, and other regions. While acknowledging a heightened level of illness typical for this time of year, health authorities reassured that winter often brings an increase in respiratory diseases. As a precaution, they advised the public to take basic preventive measures and stated that current circumstances do not warrant any travel restrictions.
Medical experts had previously warned about a potential surge in "walking pneumonia" cases. Local Chinese media reported a rise in mycoplasma infections among kindergarten and primary school children. Although this germ usually causes mild colds in older individuals, it tends to lead to pneumonia in younger children, with symptoms lasting several weeks.
