China is currently experiencing a rapid increase in pneumonia among children, and hospitals there are now overcrowded. But such a worrying development can already be observed among our Swiss neighbors.
The world is watching China with fascination. The lung disease is spreading again, this time mainly affecting children. Hospitals are overcrowded, terrifying images flood social networks. Following speculation that a newly emerged pathogen could be circulating, the World Health Organization (WHO) states: The diseases have been traced back to known pathogens. The Asian country has already provided data and refuted fears.
According to the presentation, respiratory pathogens such as rhinoviruses, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and mycoplasma infections (Mycoplasma pneumoniae) are currently widespread. They often lead to pneumonia, especially in children. The Chinese National Health Commission assumes that the strong wave of infections is related to the lifted corona measures in the country. Other countries are also currently experiencing serious cold outbreaks.
Fear of a new epidemic
After numerous cases of colds and pneumonia were reported in northern China, the WHO stepped in to get to the bottom of the matter. Beijing must continue to monitor the cases, they say. Vaccinations against flu and Covid-19 and keeping your distance from sick people are recommended. In addition, those who show symptoms are asked to isolate themselves if possible and wear a mouth and nose mask. Good ventilation and regular hand washing are the most important things.
Switzerland was also affected
“There is currently also a significant increase in Switzerland,” says research leader Patrick Meyer Sauthor of the Children’s Hospital in Zurich, asked by the Keystone-SDA news agency. According to the study published in the journal “The Lancet Microbe”, the so-called mycroplasma, which leads to pneumonia, has returned after more than three years. “We are currently experiencing the long-awaited resurgence of mycoplasma infections and are already registering record numbers in Switzerland,” says the doctor. Before the coronavirus pandemic, mycroplasmas were among the most common bacterial pathogens causing pneumonia in children. They have disappeared due to the Corona measures. Scientists wondered if this had finally put an end to them. Unfortunately, as we now see, this is not the case. But: “From a scientific perspective it was absolutely fascinating,” says study leader Patrick Meyer Sauthor.
Weak immunity
Because these bacteria have been out of the window for so long, our immune system is no longer as fit and more serious infections can develop. “We must now keep a close eye on developments in the autumn; the increase in the number of infections in recent months is very impressive,” said Sauthor.
But it shouldn’t hit us as hard as it does China. Because: The Asian country only fully lifted the corona restrictions in December last year. They had long followed a zero-Covid strategy with daily mass testing and many lockdowns. Because the economy suffered enormous damage due to the strict measures, frustrated people rebelled. Beijing eventually relented and quickly lifted all regulations. For a long time, the population has had virtually no contact with viruses and bacteria that you normally encounter in shopping centers or on public transport – and are now fully experiencing them.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
