"China Again?"... India Prepares for 'Emergency Response' Amid Spread of Respiratory Infectious Diseases from China

WHO "Not a New Pathogen... Winter Respiratory Illness"

The world is once again on high alert due to a disease originating from China following the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, it involves respiratory illnesses including Mycoplasma pneumonia. Neighboring India is particularly on edge.

The photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. [Source=Yonhap News]

According to Indian media, the Indian Ministry of Health stated in a press release on the 24th local time, "India is preparing for situations such as a public health emergency."

It added, "Recently, cases of H9N2 avian influenza infecting pigs have occurred in China, and children in northern China are contracting various respiratory infectious diseases. We are closely monitoring the situation," and explained, "The Indian government has decided to strengthen surveillance on the possibility of avian influenza infections."

While the World Health Organization (WHO) assesses the overall risk of H9N2 avian influenza as low in terms of human-to-human transmission and mortality rate, the Indian government has decided to enhance monitoring of the potential for transmission between humans and animals.

On the 24th, children and guardians are waiting at a children's hospital located in Beijing, China.
[Photo by AFP]

Recently, the number of children diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumonia has surged in China, causing local pediatric clinics to reach capacity. According to Chinese media, in three major hospitals in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, the number of children diagnosed with this pneumonia since last September has increased 17.8 times compared to last year.

Mycoplasma is a microorganism that lies between viruses and bacteria. Infection with Mycoplasma is known to cause symptoms such as pneumonia and arthritis.

Although it spreads rapidly, there is no vaccine developed yet, which is increasing local anxiety. Some schools have temporarily closed, and parents of children attending kindergartens or schools where infections have occurred are reportedly frequently choosing not to send their children to school due to fears of contagion.

In response, WHO announced on the 22nd, "WHO has officially requested detailed information from China regarding the increase in respiratory diseases and clusters of pneumonia in children."

Chinese health authorities have responded to WHO's request for information, emphasizing that the recent increase in respiratory diseases is not due to a new pathogen.

WHO shares the same view, explaining that although the outbreak is unusually high, it is not uncommon for respiratory diseases to increase during winter.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.