China Pneumonia Outbreak: Here’s What You Need To Know About The Mysterious Disease

According to reports, the capital Beijing and Liaoning provinces are said to be the epicentres of the outbreak. The paediatric hospitals in these regions have been facing large numbers of children with symptoms of high fever, lung inflammation and cold.

“Many, many (children) are hospitalized. They don’t cough and have no symptoms. They just have a high temperature, and many develop pulmonary nodules,” a resident of Beijing was quoted by the Taiwanese news website FTV News.

ProMed said, “The report suggests a widespread outbreak of an undiagnosed respiratory illness … It is not at all clear when this outbreak started as it would be unusual for so many children to be affected so quickly. The report does not say that any adults were affected suggesting some exposure at the schools.”

However, according to scientists, the outbreak could also be linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, also known as walking pneumonia, which is said to be surging as China enters its first winter without its stringent Covid-19 lockdown.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has made an official request to China for detailed information on the reported respiratory illnesses in children. “It is unclear if these are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities or separate events,” it said.

Chinese authorities stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients, it added.

What is pneumonia?

According to Mayo Clinic, “Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.

“Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.”

What are the common symptoms of pneumonia?

• Chest pain when you breathe or cough
• Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
• Cough, which may produce phlegm
• Fatigue
• Fever, sweating and shaking chills
• Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Shortness of breath

People suffering from this respiratory disease can also have additive symptoms like loose stool and vomiting.

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1. What is Pneumonia?
   “Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.”
2. What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
   Pneumonia manifests with a combination of symptoms, ranging from subtle to severe. Common signs include persistent cough, often accompanied by phlegm production, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Fever, chills, and fatigue may also join the ensemble, accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat. In some cases, individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, or muscle aches. The severity of symptoms can vary, with the elderly and those with weakened immune systems at a higher risk of facing more intense manifestations.
3. What are the causes of pneumonia?
   Streptococcus pneumoniae takes centre stage as a primary bacterial culprit, but Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila contribute their own chapters. Viruses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus join the plot, especially in viral pneumonia. Fungal pneumonia often stars opportunistic players like Pneumocystis jirovecii.
4. What are the risk factors of pneumonia?
   Age is a key player, with extremes-infants and the elderly-more prone. Chronic conditions like asthma, COPD or heart disease earn an invitation, alongside a weakened immune system due to HIV, chemotherapy or organ transplantation. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, don’t go unnoticed on the list.