A fresh bout of widespread respiratory illness has once again been making the rounds in China. According to Chinese health authorities, this rising incidence of pneumonia, especially among children is likely due to a surge in mycoplasma.
Despite this statement, health authorities like the World Health Organisation (WHO), and even the Indian healthcare system have been on alert, watching this unprecedented increase in pneumonia cases, with only one question on their minds- Is this another disaster waiting to happen, by causing a spillover of pneumonia-causing pathogens to other countries?
India Monitoring China’s Pneumonia Spike
Along with mycoplasma-caused pneumonia, China has attributed the spike in respiratory illnesses to a cocktail of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), adenovirus and influenza.
Responding to WHO’s inquiry into this sudden increase in sick children, Chinese health authorities assured that this is not because of another novel pathogen like COVID-19. WHO responded that while this increase in respiratory illnesses seems unusual, a spike in breathing issues and infections is commonplace during winters.
However, the Indian government is taking a proactive approach. The Health Ministries across the country have asked all States and Union Territories to update and strengthen their hospital preparedness measures.
The ministries have issued a directive that has underscored that healthcare providers must ensure that they have well-functioning oxygen plants and ventilators, are keeping a close eye on infection control protocols, and have adequate availability of hospital beds, personnel, essential medicines, PPE kits, and diagnostic kits.
Also Read: 7,000 Cases A Day Reported Amid Mysterious Pneumonia Outbreak In China: Should India Be Worried?
Protecting Yourself From Respiratory Infections
Even though health watchdogs of India, and the World are expressing that there’s no need to be concerned as of now, the hazardous increase in air pollution, clubbed with the onset of winter is the perfect environment for pathogens to thrive.
One reason why China may be facing these dire circumstances is because research has shown the mycoplasma causing pneumonia was subdued in China due to their stringent zero COVID policy, which gave way to reduced herd immunity, and allowed the immune system of the Chinese population to grow susceptible to infections as they were unexposed to it for almost two years.
This means that other countries like India which allowed the population to develop herd immunity and hence a robust immune system, might not fall prey to mycoplasma-caused pneumonia as much as China has. However, one cause of concern is that the strain of mycoplasma circulating in China is the world's highest incidence of mycoplasma pneumoniae that's resistant to antibiotics.
Also Read: Mysterious Pneumonia Outbreak Raises Concerns in China, WHO Seeks Information
The Centre concluded that for now they are closely monitoring the situation in China, and so far the masses need not worry. Yet, the WHO advised that following some of the basic precautions like wearing masks, maintaining hygiene, and practising social distancing especially when sick, may alleviate your chances of catching respiratory illnesses further.
