A respiratory virus has been surging in Northern China, primarily affecting children.
According to France 24, China’s National Health Commission reported a significant increase in respiratory illnesses in children on Nov. 13. Meanwhile, authorities note that the increase was related to the end of restrictions on COVID-19, the onset of the cold season and the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2.
Last week, the World Health Organization said it was looking over “undiagnosed pneumonia in children’s hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning, and other places in China.”
During a press conference on Sunday, the National Health Commission prompted local authorities to open more fever clinics, extend service hours, and increase supplies of medications.
“We also remind everyone to adhere to the hygienic habits of wearing masks, ventilating frequently, and washing hands frequently, and encourage key groups such as the elderly and the young to receive relevant vaccines actively,” Wang Huaqing, head of the CDC’s immunization program said, The Guardian reports.
“Those who can be vaccinated should try their best to get vaccinated to prevent infectious diseases.”
They added that the surge in cases was attributed to the spread of bacteria such as mycoplasma pneumonia and common pathogens, including influenza, rhinovirus, adenovirus, and RSV, rather than by new pathogens.
The spread of the virus has led to packed pediatric units in city hospitals. As reported by the Global Times on Tuesday, Beijing’s Children’s Hospital received up to 9,378 patients daily and had been at total capacity in the last two months. Additionally, outpatient clinics, pediatric clinics, and respiratory departments at multiple Beijing hospitals have been booked for at least a week.
With the winter approaching, the WHO warned that the cases will likely increase. The organization warned people in affected areas to follow standard safety precautions regarding respiratory illness, such as vaccination, isolation if symptomatic, and testing or wearing a mask when necessary. Per The Christian Post, the WHO is currently warning against travel restrictions to China.
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Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for Christian Headlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
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