An alarming global outbreak of a new strain of bacterial pneumonia called White Lung Syndrome is impacting children in various countries including China, Denmark, the United States, and the Netherlands. This illness mainly affects children between the ages of three and eight. According to The Metro, White Lung Syndrome pneumonia, named after the way lung damage appears on scans, is caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterial infection that cannot be treated with many antibiotics.
The situation in Denmark is particularly concerning, as the mysterious pneumonia cases in children have reached epidemic levels, bearing eerie similarities to the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak. The Netherlands has also reported a troubling increase in children with pneumonia, while Sweden is also being affected.
White Lung Syndrome is transmitted through respiratory droplets that are released when individuals cough, sneeze, talk, sing, or breathe. Several regions in Ohio have also experienced cases of this enigmatic outbreak, marking it as the initial location in the United States to document these cases, with a notably high rate of children requiring hospitalization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States have been in contact with China regarding the recent surge in respiratory illnesses in the country. The CDC has stated that this surge is not attributed to a new or novel pathogen, such as COVID-19, but rather to existing pathogens like the flu, RSV, and mycoplasma. However, they have noted an increase in these illnesses.
White Lung Syndrome is a severe form of pneumonia that can lead to lung scarring and discoloration. The exact cause of the illness is still unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of bacterial, viral, and environmental factors. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.
As the global community grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of White Lung Syndrome poses another challenge in the fight against infectious diseases. Further investigations and research are needed to understand the causes and potential treatments for this mysterious illness.
