China’s health-care system is once again under scrutiny as a wave of pneumonia cases sweeps through the country, disproportionately affecting children. Concerns about the outbreaks prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to request more information to determine if a novel pathogen, similar to Covid-19, was the cause. However, Chinese officials have stated that the increase in cases is due to a list of known germs, rather than a new pathogen.
Health experts have been warning for weeks that a common bacterial infection would likely lead to a rise in “walking pneumonia” cases. In response to the WHO’s request, Chinese health authorities have identified mycoplasma pneumoniae, RSV, adenovirus, and influenza as the main culprits behind the surge in outpatient visits and hospitalizations. They have not detected any new pathogens so far. The WHO, while acknowledging the unusually high level of illness for this time of year, has stated that respiratory diseases are common during the winter.
The WHO has advised people to take basic precautions, such as wearing masks, staying home when sick, and regular handwashing, to reduce the risk of infection. They have also stated that travel restrictions are not necessary based on the current situation.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacteria that typically causes mild infections with symptoms similar to a common cold. Although hospitalization is rare, some children, especially those with weaker immune systems, are at greater risk of developing pneumonia. This has caused concern among parents, with reports of overwhelmed pediatric medical centers and long waiting times to see a doctor.
Treatment for mycoplasma pneumoniae can be challenging, as up to 60-70% of adult cases and up to 80% of cases in children do not respond to drugs like Zithromax. The reasons behind China being hit particularly hard by this outbreak compared to other countries, which have faced flu and RSV outbreaks, remain unclear. One study suggested that Covid countermeasures in China had suppressed mycoplasma pneumoniae for almost two years before being lifted.
While the reports of respiratory illness outbreaks in China may bring back memories of the early days of the Covid pandemic, it is important to note that mycoplasma is a well-known and common germ that causes periodic outbreaks. Other viruses, including RSV, are also circulating globally, indicating that various pathogens may be responsible for respiratory illnesses this winter.
In conclusion, while the situation in China raises concerns, it is unlikely that mycoplasma pneumoniae will spread overseas like Covid-19 did. The focus should be on managing and treating the current outbreaks while taking necessary precautions to prevent further infections.
