Introduction

Barely two years after the last great outbreak of COVID-19, China is once again in the news as reports of a respiratory illness that seems to be pneumonia are emerging from the country. Naturally, people are eager for details and governments are monitoring the situation. 

Who is falling sick in China, why is the walking pneumonia outbreak being discussed and should the rest of the world be worried? Let’s find out. 

Respiratory disease is sweeping through China: what we know so far

Due to strict media censorship in China, exact figures of the number of people affected by what appears to be pneumonia are not known. The illness seems to be affecting children, which is evident from the images of hospitals crowded with children and parents waiting in line outside hospitals to get their children admitted.

The authorities in China have claimed that this is not caused by a new strain of COVID-19 or any new pathogen. 

WHO has observed that the respiratory illness is centred in Beijing for now but is spreading to other parts of the country. 

A Beijing hospital told an international news network that approximately 1200 children are being admitted daily with pneumonia. 

What is causing illness/pneumonia in China? 

China is headed towards its usual flu season and this is the first winter after lockdown restrictions were lifted in the country. So children and people are bound to fall sick. 

But there is no explanation yet as to why there is a sudden spike in pneumonia cases. 

The National Health Commission of China has attributed the pneumonia cases to a wide variety of pathogens, including influenza strains, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and mycoplasma pneumonia-causing bacteria. 

Symptoms of the walking pneumonia:

The symptoms of walking pneumonia, which is affecting children in China, are-

• Moderate fever
• Sore throat
• Difficulty in breathing
• Inflammation of the lungs but not much coughing
• Runny nose
• Chills may or may not accompany fever
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Sneezing
• Chest pain

The symptoms vary from individual to individual. 

How does walking pneumonia spread? 

Pneumonia and any respiratory disease spread through respiratory droplets that contain the virus or bacteria responsible for the disease. Droplets are discharged into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can enter the respiratory system of anyone nearby. 

It also spreads through contact when healthy people touch something that was earlier touched by an infected person who had sneezed or coughed into their hands. If this hand touches the nose or mouth or if the person eats something without washing the hands, the healthy person will get infected. 

Who should be careful? 

Respiratory illnesses are most likely to affect-

• Children
• Elderly people
• Pregnant women 
• People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, emphysema
• People with compromised immunity
• Healthcare professionals
• People who take corticosteroids
• Smokers

However, it’s important to remember that respiratory diseases can affect anyone. 

The precautions we can take

• Doctors have always advised vulnerable groups to opt for influenza vaccines yearly. 
• People aged 65 and above could also consider getting a pneumonia shot. Please consult your doctor first. 
• COVID hygiene measures such as hand sanitisation, hand washing, sneezing into handkerchiefs should always be observed. 
• Wearing masks is also a good idea, at least during the flu season. 

Should India stay alert? 

State governments have been asked to keep their hospitals and nursing in a state of preparedness to tackle any number of patients showing signs of respiratory distress. They have been asked to keep beds, oxygen cylinders, oxygen plants, ventilators, and protective gear ready. 

ILI and SARI surveillance in India

Respiratory diseases, including pan-India influenza-like illness (ILI) and Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), are surveyed in India. The trends are observed and entered into a database so that correct policies can be introduced to tackle any possible outbreak and try to reduce the case burden of respiratory diseases in India. In light of the pneumonia cases in China, the central government has requested that state governments stay updated on the latest ILI and SARI data and send swabs of people infected with ILI and SARI to Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories. This way, any new threat can immediately be identified. 

Conclusion

WHO and the international medical community are closely following the situation in China. Right now, information is scarce and hence, countries are being cautious. What we can do is maintain respiratory hygiene, maintain good ventilation, frequent handwashing, keep our distance from the ill, eat healthy, work out and, if needed, consult our doctors for guidance. 

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.