<p>The Indian government has asked all the states and union territories to closely monitor the respiratory illness cases among children and adolescents in order to analyse its seriousness. In the aftermath of an alarming situation in China where a sudden surge of respiratory illnesses among children has been reported, India has asked the authorities to report all cases of serious respiratory illnesses — Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), the Hindustan Times reported citing people familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted, a senior central government official said on condition of anonymity that "this is being done purely as a precautionary measure; so far no red flags have been seen but it is important to step up the vigil".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is already a surveillance system in place for tracking respiratory illnesses owing to COVID-19, which will be made use of for further surveillance. As has been said before, the risk for India continues to remain low," he said as quoted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Neeraj Kumar Gupta, Pulmonary Department Head at Safadarjung Hospital, told ANI recently that the latest respiratory illness outbreak in China is no threat to India and mentioned that "we are well prepared".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't personally see any threat to India because we are well prepared. Even if it is a novel virus, we are well prepared because we have our past experience with us. Even the health ministry has issued guidelines so remain vigilant on this," Dr Gupta told the news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/another-covid-like-scare-from-china-experts-tell-wion-what-exactly-it-is-662463">Another Covid-like scare from China? Experts tell WION what exactly it is</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Covid-like scare again?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As per recent reports, China is reporting a large number of respiratory infections, particularly among children, and hospital wards are reportedly running full. So far, there's no confirmation of deaths, but the trends have triggered a scare similar to the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, which killed millions and left a million others with symptoms of long Covid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On November 25, Dr Sushila Kataria, who is the Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Medanta in Gurugram, told WION that the recent cases in China prompted concerns "reminiscent of the events in November and December 2019".&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that the Chinese government has clarified that these cases are attributed to known pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, including the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, some Covid cases, and some mycoplasma cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Given that the incidence of pneumonia typically increases during winter, it is hoped that this surge is seasonal," Dr Kataria said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/psychological-impact-of-israel-hamas-war-use-anti-depressants-rise-in-israel-663758">Psychological impact of Israel-Hamas war: Use of anti-depressants on the rise in Israel</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pneumonia worry in the Netherlands&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Similar cases in Europe&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A report in The Messenger published on November 28 stated that the Netherlands is experiencing a rise in pneumonia cases among children as it becomes the second nation besides China to report an outbreak of such cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), a research institute in Utrecht, reported that 80 of every 100,000 children between ages five and 14 came down with pneumonia last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Indian government has asked all the states and union territories to closely monitor the respiratory illness cases among children and adolescents in order to analyse its seriousness.

The Indian government has asked all the states and union territories to closely monitor the respiratory illness cases among children and adolescents in order to analyse its seriousness. In the aftermath of an alarming situation in China where a sudden surge of respiratory illnesses among children has been reported, India has asked the authorities to report all cases of serious respiratory illnesses — Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), the Hindustan Times reported citing people familiar with the matter. As quoted, a senior central government official said on condition of anonymity that "this is being done purely as a precautionary measure; so far no red flags have been seen but it is important to step up the vigil". "There is already a surveillance system in place for tracking respiratory illnesses owing to COVID-19, which will be made use of for further surveillance. As has been said before, the risk for India continues to remain low," he said as quoted. Dr Neeraj Kumar Gupta, Pulmonary Department Head at Safadarjung Hospital, told ANI recently that the latest respiratory illness outbreak in China is no threat to India and mentioned that "we are well prepared". "I don't personally see any threat to India because we are well prepared. Even if it is a novel virus, we are well prepared because we have our past experience with us. Even the health ministry has issued guidelines so remain vigilant on this," Dr Gupta told the news agency. Also read: Another Covid-like scare from China? Experts tell WION what exactly it is Covid-like scare again? As per recent reports, China is reporting a large number of respiratory infections, particularly among children, and hospital wards are reportedly running full. So far, there's no confirmation of deaths, but the trends have triggered a scare similar to the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, which killed millions and left a million others with symptoms of long Covid. On November 25, Dr Sushila Kataria, who is the Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Medanta in Gurugram, told WION that the recent cases in China prompted concerns "reminiscent of the events in November and December 2019". She said that the Chinese government has clarified that these cases are attributed to known pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, including the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, some Covid cases, and some mycoplasma cases. "Given that the incidence of pneumonia typically increases during winter, it is hoped that this surge is seasonal," Dr Kataria said. Also read: Psychological impact of Israel-Hamas war: Use of anti-depressants on the rise in Israel Watch: Pneumonia worry in the Netherlands × Similar cases in Europe A report in The Messenger published on November 28 stated that the Netherlands is experiencing a rise in pneumonia cases among children as it becomes the second nation besides China to report an outbreak of such cases. The Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), a research institute in Utrecht, reported that 80 of every 100,000 children between ages five and 14 came down with pneumonia last week. (With inputs from agencies)

India closely monitoring respiratory illness in children amid scare from China

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<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) has examined an alarming situation in China as the nation saw a sudden surge of respiratory illnesses among children. The UN health body has asked China to provide disease data, but Beijing on Friday (Nov 24) claimed that no unusual or novel pathogens had been detected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cases among children came as a scare as the world is still recovering from the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which killed millions and left a million others with symptoms of long Covid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first known case of Covid was reported in China towards the end of 2019, but the exact origin of the virus was never identified in the absence of lack of proper and accurate data.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-closely-monitoring-chinas-influenza-outbreak-amid-mild-covid-scare-662356">India is 'closely monitoring' China's influenza outbreak amid mild Covid scare</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>When the virus started to spread, it was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020. After an uncontrolled spread of the virus, the outbreak became a pandemic in a few weeks time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Health experts have often said that the Covid pandemic was not a one-off thing, something like that may happen again and the world should be prepared for it. But no one said exactly when.</p>

<p>And the recent reports of an increase in "influenza-like illness" in China since mid-October have scared people globally.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the respiratory illness in China?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The WHO said Thursday (Nov 23) that Chinese authorities had responded, advising "that there has been no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens or unusual clinical presentations, including in Beijing and Liaoning".&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's National Health Commission told reporters last week that the respiratory illness spike was due to the lifting of the Covid measures and the circulation of known pathogens, namely influenza and common bacterial infections that affect children, including mycoplasma pneumonia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To know more about the situation WION reached out to health experts.&nbsp;<strong>Dr Sushila Kataria</strong>, who is the Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Medanta in Gurugram, said that the recent cases in China prompted concerns "reminiscent of the events in November and December 2019".&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that the Chinese government has clarified that these cases are attributed to known pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, including the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, some Covid&nbsp;cases, and some mycoplasma cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Given that the incidence of pneumonia typically increases during winter, it is hoped that this surge is seasonal," Dr Kataria said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-another-pneumonia-epidemic-alarms-who-nearly-four-years-since-covid-was-first-detected-661753">China: Another pneumonia 'epidemic' alarms WHO nearly four years since Covid was first detected</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>What are the common symptoms?&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Dr Himanshu Batra</strong>, who is a consultant in Pediatrics at HCMCT Manipal Hospital in New Delhi's Dwarka, said that pneumonia is a respiratory infection of the lungs. The common symptoms of pneumonia are fever, fast breathing, poor appetite, vomiting, and coughing, which may produce greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are some cases of atypical pneumonia, fever gradually increases, and coughing is prominent. Experts then go for a chest X-ray and a few blood tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Batra said that what is happening in China is that a lot of children are getting hospitalised because of pneumonia. "The organism they have identified looks like it is Mycoplasma pneumonia," he said, further adding that it is usually seen mostly in children who are "more than five years old, school-age children, not in small infants and younger children".&nbsp;</p>

<p>WHO has urged people to take preventative measures, including getting vaccinated, keeping distance from sick people and wearing masks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Dr Ritesh Yadav</strong>,&nbsp;consultant in Internal Medicine at Paras Health in Gurugram, responded to the WHO process, as he said: "The WHO routinely seeks clarity on infectious clusters worldwide, yet public appeals indicate potential concerns over transparency."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>What are the risks? Will it wreak havoc in India?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The WHO report stated that the Chinese government has ruled out the presence of any new viruses or bacteria. While reacting to the report, Dr Kataria said that "there is no immediate risk of the situation spreading globally or reaching India. While there is a sense of reassurance, it is important to remain cautious".&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also said that in India, there may be an increase in influenza cases and it is advised to "prioritise influenza vaccination". She also suggested consistently practising cough etiquette to mitigate potential risks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Kataria added, "Vigilance remains crucial despite the current understanding of the situation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, <strong>Dr Yadav </strong>said that&nbsp;despite concerns, "restraint is crucial before sounding alarm bells".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that "as we await official confirmation, taking proactive measures remains paramount".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The prospect of a similar seasonal trend in India necessitates caution which includes: mask-wearing, vaccination for the vulnerable, maintaining distance, hand hygiene, and home isolation for the unwell," Dr Yadav added.&nbsp;</p>


The World Health Organization (WHO) has examined an alarming situation in China as the nation saw a sudden surge of respiratory illnesses among children. The UN health body has asked China to provide disease data, but Beijing on Friday (Nov 24) claimed that no unusual or novel pathogens had been detected.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has examined an alarming situation in China as the nation saw a sudden surge of respiratory illnesses among children. The UN health body has asked China to provide disease data, but Beijing on Friday (Nov 24) claimed that no unusual or novel pathogens had been detected. The cases among children came as a scare as the world is still recovering from the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which killed millions and left a million others with symptoms of long Covid. The first known case of Covid was reported in China towards the end of 2019, but the exact origin of the virus was never identified in the absence of lack of proper and accurate data. Also read: India is 'closely monitoring' China's influenza outbreak amid mild Covid scare When the virus started to spread, it was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020. After an uncontrolled spread of the virus, the outbreak became a pandemic in a few weeks time. Health experts have often said that the Covid pandemic was not a one-off thing, something like that may happen again and the world should be prepared for it. But no one said exactly when. And the recent reports of an increase in "influenza-like illness" in China since mid-October have scared people globally. What do we know about the respiratory illness in China? The WHO said Thursday (Nov 23) that Chinese authorities had responded, advising "that there has been no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens or unusual clinical presentations, including in Beijing and Liaoning". China's National Health Commission told reporters last week that the respiratory illness spike was due to the lifting of the Covid measures and the circulation of known pathogens, namely influenza and common bacterial infections that affect children, including mycoplasma pneumonia. To know more about the situation WION reached out to health experts. Dr Sushila Kataria, who is the Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Medanta in Gurugram, said that the recent cases in China prompted concerns "reminiscent of the events in November and December 2019". She said that the Chinese government has clarified that these cases are attributed to known pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, including the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, some Covid cases, and some mycoplasma cases. "Given that the incidence of pneumonia typically increases during winter, it is hoped that this surge is seasonal," Dr Kataria said. Also read: China: Another pneumonia 'epidemic' alarms WHO nearly four years since Covid was first detected What are the common symptoms? Dr Himanshu Batra, who is a consultant in Pediatrics at HCMCT Manipal Hospital in New Delhi's Dwarka, said that pneumonia is a respiratory infection of the lungs. The common symptoms of pneumonia are fever, fast breathing, poor appetite, vomiting, and coughing, which may produce greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus. There are some cases of atypical pneumonia, fever gradually increases, and coughing is prominent. Experts then go for a chest X-ray and a few blood tests. Dr Batra said that what is happening in China is that a lot of children are getting hospitalised because of pneumonia. "The organism they have identified looks like it is Mycoplasma pneumonia," he said, further adding that it is usually seen mostly in children who are "more than five years old, school-age children, not in small infants and younger children". WHO has urged people to take preventative measures, including getting vaccinated, keeping distance from sick people and wearing masks. Dr Ritesh Yadav, consultant in Internal Medicine at Paras Health in Gurugram, responded to the WHO process, as he said: "The WHO routinely seeks clarity on infectious clusters worldwide, yet public appeals indicate potential concerns over transparency." Watch this report: × What are the risks? Will it wreak havoc in India? The WHO report stated that the Chinese government has ruled out the presence of any new viruses or bacteria. While reacting to the report, Dr Kataria said that "there is no immediate risk of the situation spreading globally or reaching India. While there is a sense of reassurance, it is important to remain cautious". She also said that in India, there may be an increase in influenza cases and it is advised to "prioritise influenza vaccination". She also suggested consistently practising cough etiquette to mitigate potential risks. Dr Kataria added, "Vigilance remains crucial despite the current understanding of the situation." Meanwhile, Dr Yadav said that despite concerns, "restraint is crucial before sounding alarm bells". He said that "as we await official confirmation, taking proactive measures remains paramount". "The prospect of a similar seasonal trend in India necessitates caution which includes: mask-wearing, vaccination for the vulnerable, maintaining distance, hand hygiene, and home isolation for the unwell," Dr Yadav added.

Another Covid-like scare from China? Experts tell WION what exactly it is

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India closely monitoring respiratory illness in children amid scare from China

Another Covid-like scare from China? Experts tell WION what exactly it is