The recent pneumonia outbreak reported in China is a concern for the rest of the world as our interconnected world still poses risks. The respiratory infection in Chinese children is a concern for the rest of the world as it is obviously highly infectious. The recent post on ProMED Mail, the online reporting system of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, reported that China was experiencing a major pneumonia outbreak with no known cause in children. It said that the outbreak, causing symptoms such as high fever, and some developing pulmonary nodules is overwhelming paediatric hospitals in the country.
Chinese officials informed the World Health Organisation (WHO) that no new pathogens were detected in the outbreak, and instead the illnesses were caused by known seasonal viruses such as the flu and RSV, along with the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Netherlands and Denmark have also reported a similar uptick in pneumonia cases among children. A new paper in the Lancet journal shows a significant resurgence of Mycoplasma pneumonia cases post Covid in several countries including Singapore and Sweden since April.
Last week, India’s Health Ministry noted that it is “closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children” in northern China. “There is low risk to India from both the avian influenza case reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness,” said a statement from the Ministry. It added that the country is prepared for any kind of exigency that may emerge from the current influenza situation in China. Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Tamil Nadu have also asked their hospitals and healthcare staff to ensure preparedness to tackle patients complaining of respiratory issues.
While there is currently no report of a spread in India, it may be too early to say whether it can spread but at the same time there is need for increasing surveillance. But, unlike Covid, this time the victims of the new virus are children and not adults. Here we have limitations. Trained nurses for paediatric ICUs are very few in our country. The number of paediatric beds, suitable equipment including ventilators and trained paediatric intensivists are available only in big cities and metros. We should plan for these right now. Vigilance becomes our greatest shield.
While the risk of the new China flu threatening India is currently low, the potential for spillover remains. Implementing proactive preventive measures and strengthening public health infrastructure are crucial to safeguard India’s health security. Although, there is no imminent threat to India, given our robust preparedness but drawing from our past encounters with novel viruses, our readiness should be evident. The lessons learned have fortified our capabilities. However, our interconnected world still poses risks, and in such a case awareness and precautions are potent tools.
