China is witnessing a “fluctuating downtrend” in respiratory illness cases among children. The announcement was made by the National Health Commission during a press briefing in Beijing on Friday, a month after grappling with rising pneumonia cases.

The previously increased caseload at some large children's speciality hospitals and general hospitals has recently shown a degree of decline, Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a press conference, according to state-run Xinhua News.

He added that outpatient numbers for respiratory diseases at fever clinics and emergency departments have remained relatively stable.

<h2>Overall medical systems not impacted&nbsp;</h2>

“As some patients have been redirected to primary healthcare institutions, the overall regular medical services across the country have not been impacted,” he was quoted as saying.

The outbreak was primarily reported in Northern China with no explanation initially provided for the sudden spike in cases.

The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and Beijing Children’s Hospital informed the WHO that there had been an increase in outpatient visits and hospitalizations due to the spread of mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and influenza.

It was later clarified that the source of illness was common pathogens, therefore, there should be no concern.

<h2>WHO had asked for report&nbsp;</h2>

Concerns were raised as the spike in cases came earlier than what has been experienced in the previous years, but isn’t unexpected given the lifting of Covid curbs, the WHO had said after a teleconference between health officials.

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The uptick in cases gained worldwide attention after the WHO asked China for more information, citing a report by the Programme for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children.

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Some social media users have also posted photos of children receiving intravenous drips in hospital, while media in cities such as Xian in the northwest have posted videos of crowded hospitals, fanning concerns potential strains on the healthcare system.

(With inputs from agencies)

China is witnessing a “fluctuating downtrend” in respiratory illness cases among children. The announcement was made by the National Health Commission during a press briefing in Beijing on Friday, a month after grappling with rising pneumonia cases.

China is witnessing a “fluctuating downtrend” in respiratory illness cases among children. The announcement was made by the National Health Commission during a press briefing in Beijing on Friday, a month after grappling with rising pneumonia cases. The previously increased caseload at some large children's speciality hospitals and general hospitals has recently shown a degree of decline, Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a press conference, according to state-run Xinhua News. He added that outpatient numbers for respiratory diseases at fever clinics and emergency departments have remained relatively stable. Overall medical systems not impacted “As some patients have been redirected to primary healthcare institutions, the overall regular medical services across the country have not been impacted,” he was quoted as saying. The outbreak was primarily reported in Northern China with no explanation initially provided for the sudden spike in cases. The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and Beijing Children’s Hospital informed the WHO that there had been an increase in outpatient visits and hospitalizations due to the spread of mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and influenza. It was later clarified that the source of illness was common pathogens, therefore, there should be no concern. WHO had asked for report Concerns were raised as the spike in cases came earlier than what has been experienced in the previous years, but isn’t unexpected given the lifting of Covid curbs, the WHO had said after a teleconference between health officials. Also read | Might be uncomfortable: Israel reacts to Palestinian men stripped to underwear after arrest The uptick in cases gained worldwide attention after the WHO asked China for more information, citing a report by the Programme for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children. Also read | Russian intelligence says cracked network of Ukrainian agents in Crimea Some social media users have also posted photos of children receiving intravenous drips in hospital, while media in cities such as Xian in the northwest have posted videos of crowded hospitals, fanning concerns potential strains on the healthcare system. (With inputs from agencies)

China witnessing 'fluctuating downtrend' of respiratory illnesses among children

Dogs in the United States are suffering from a mysterious respiratory illness in several states. Local reports have mentioned that it can be fatal as this condition has killed some dogs already.&nbsp;

The veterinarians are looking to find answers and they also alerted the pet owners to be vigilant and take basic precautions to keep the pets healthy.&nbsp;

A report by the Associated Press mentioned that Oregon, Colorado, and New Hampshire have all experienced cases of the infection, which has caused long-term respiratory problems and pneumonia and is resistant to medications.&nbsp;

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The reports have said that symptoms of respiratory illness in dogs include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge and lethargy.&nbsp;

The report said that in some of the cases, the pneumonia progressed quickly which made dogs very sick within 24 to 36 hours.&nbsp;

Since mid-August, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has reported more than 200 cases of the disease.&nbsp;

The department has also urged pet owners to contact their veterinarian if their dog becomes ill, and it has directed state vets to report cases as quickly as possible.&nbsp;

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<h2>Cases not 'slowing down'</h2>

US-based Today reported that the illness may not respond to typical treatment, such as antibiotics, which can leave the dog struggling to breathe and with severe pneumonia.&nbsp;

Dr Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, told TODAY.com: "It seems to happen very, very quickly — to go from this cough that’s just won’t go away ... and then all of a sudden they develop this pneumonia."&nbsp;

As per the report, Dr Ganzer has estimated that her hospital has seen close to 30 dogs with the condition since the middle of October. She further mentioned that the cases are "really not slowing down".&nbsp;

Another expert, Dr Kurt Williams, who is the director of Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, told TODAY.com that it's not a time for dog owners to "become paralyzed with fear".&nbsp;

"I think concern is fine," he said.&nbsp;

Dr Williams, who has been researching the illness for the past few weeks, further added that dog owners may want to consider taking precautions to prevent illness.&nbsp;

He advised that the owners can avoid scenarios with other dogs and make sure dogs are up to date on vaccinations.&nbsp;

Dogs in the United States are suffering from a mysterious respiratory illness in several states. Local reports have mentioned that it can be fatal as this condition has killed some dogs already.

Dogs in the United States are suffering from a mysterious respiratory illness in several states. Local reports have mentioned that it can be fatal as this condition has killed some dogs already. The veterinarians are looking to find answers and they also alerted the pet owners to be vigilant and take basic precautions to keep the pets healthy. A report by the Associated Press mentioned that Oregon, Colorado, and New Hampshire have all experienced cases of the infection, which has caused long-term respiratory problems and pneumonia and is resistant to medications. Also read: Colorado Judge rules Trump can stay on Presidential primary ballot despite Capitol attack incitement The reports have said that symptoms of respiratory illness in dogs include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge and lethargy. The report said that in some of the cases, the pneumonia progressed quickly which made dogs very sick within 24 to 36 hours. Since mid-August, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has reported more than 200 cases of the disease. The department has also urged pet owners to contact their veterinarian if their dog becomes ill, and it has directed state vets to report cases as quickly as possible. Also read: Trump civil fraud trial: Ex-president launches tirade against clerk soon after gag order paused Cases not 'slowing down' US-based Today reported that the illness may not respond to typical treatment, such as antibiotics, which can leave the dog struggling to breathe and with severe pneumonia. Dr Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, told TODAY.com: "It seems to happen very, very quickly — to go from this cough that’s just won’t go away ... and then all of a sudden they develop this pneumonia." As per the report, Dr Ganzer has estimated that her hospital has seen close to 30 dogs with the condition since the middle of October. She further mentioned that the cases are "really not slowing down". Another expert, Dr Kurt Williams, who is the director of Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, told TODAY.com that it's not a time for dog owners to "become paralyzed with fear". "I think concern is fine," he said. Dr Williams, who has been researching the illness for the past few weeks, further added that dog owners may want to consider taking precautions to prevent illness. He advised that the owners can avoid scenarios with other dogs and make sure dogs are up to date on vaccinations.

Mysterious respiratory illness plaguing dogs in several US states

Respiratory illness amongst kids has been on a trajectory rise for a month in the Indian city of Mumbai. Most of the affected cases, which are on the higher side, involve children under the age of three, especially those under six months. The children are getting admitted to hospitals&nbsp;with viral pneumonia, a lung infection caused by viruses such as influenza&nbsp;which infect the lungs and lead to inflammation.&nbsp;

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Abhijeet Singh, Consultant – Pediatrics, SRV Hospitals Dombivli, shared why there is a sudden and ongoing surge of viral influenza among kids and how parents can protect their little munchkins and keep them safe.

<h2>Why there is a sudden and ongoing surge of viral influenza among kids?&nbsp;</h2>

"Viral illnesses are present all year round, but there is minimal seasonal variation among influenza and other viral infections. In India, flu infections follow two seasonal peaks, as historically charted. One peak span from January to March, and the other from July to August. The influenza virus responsible for the common flu undergoes frequent genetic variations, making humans susceptible to reinfection each time," the medical expert shared.

He added, "The current upsurge in viral infections among children is primarily attributed to flu (H3N2) and Adenovirus. Children are more susceptible to cross-infections due to their interactions in schools, play areas, and social gatherings. The climatic conditions create a favourable environment for virus replication, bolstered by their infective potency. Additionally, children's immune systems are still developing, rendering them less equipped to combat infections. A significant number of children remain unimmunised against seasonal flu. When all these factors are combined, it results in the observed increase in viral infections among children."

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<h2>How is it caused?&nbsp;</h2>

"Children and infants often have close contact with adults and peers, facilitating the easy transmission of viruses from person to person. Infected youngsters can shed the influenza virus for several days prior to displaying any symptoms. Consequently, seemingly healthy children have the potential to transmit the virus to others, including their peers and caregivers," Dr&nbsp;Abhijeet stated.

"Given that the immune systems of very young children are still in the process of developing, their ability to combat infections, including the flu, might be less effective. This renders them more vulnerable to illness and severe symptoms. The spread of viral influenza resembles that of COVID-19, occurring through airborne transmission, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces due to actions like sneezing, coughing, and touching," the doctor added.

<h2>How parents can protect their kids from this virus influenza?&nbsp;</h2>

<ol>
	<li>Refrain from crowded areas during peak seasons, and exercise extra caution around individuals who might be infected.</li>
	<li>Wearing masks and frequent hand washing continue to be crucial methods of prevention.</li>
	<li>If your child contracts the illness and displays symptoms such as a high fever or a runny nose, seek immediate medical advice from your doctor and administer the prescribed medication.</li>
	<li>Consuming seasonal fruits, which are naturally abundant in antioxidants, aids in enhancing immunity and bolstering the body's resistance against infections.</li>
	<li>The annual flu vaccination remains a fundamental measure to prevent severe infections. The IAP recommends the flu vaccine for children aged 6 months to 5 years who are attending school.</li>
</ol>

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Respiratory illness amongst kids has been on a trajectory rise for a month in the Indian city of Mumbai. Most of the affected cases, which are on the higher side, involve children under the age of three, especially those under six months.

Respiratory illness amongst kids has been on a trajectory rise for a month in the Indian city of Mumbai. Most of the affected cases, which are on the higher side, involve children under the age of three, especially those under six months. The children are getting admitted to hospitals with viral pneumonia, a lung infection caused by viruses such as influenza which infect the lungs and lead to inflammation. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Abhijeet Singh, Consultant – Pediatrics, SRV Hospitals Dombivli, shared why there is a sudden and ongoing surge of viral influenza among kids and how parents can protect their little munchkins and keep them safe. Why there is a sudden and ongoing surge of viral influenza among kids? "Viral illnesses are present all year round, but there is minimal seasonal variation among influenza and other viral infections. In India, flu infections follow two seasonal peaks, as historically charted. One peak span from January to March, and the other from July to August. The influenza virus responsible for the common flu undergoes frequent genetic variations, making humans susceptible to reinfection each time," the medical expert shared. He added, "The current upsurge in viral infections among children is primarily attributed to flu (H3N2) and Adenovirus. Children are more susceptible to cross-infections due to their interactions in schools, play areas, and social gatherings. The climatic conditions create a favourable environment for virus replication, bolstered by their infective potency. Additionally, children's immune systems are still developing, rendering them less equipped to combat infections. A significant number of children remain unimmunised against seasonal flu. When all these factors are combined, it results in the observed increase in viral infections among children." Also read: 10 expert-approved tips to create a safe and comfortable home environment for elderly care How is it caused? "Children and infants often have close contact with adults and peers, facilitating the easy transmission of viruses from person to person. Infected youngsters can shed the influenza virus for several days prior to displaying any symptoms. Consequently, seemingly healthy children have the potential to transmit the virus to others, including their peers and caregivers," Dr Abhijeet stated. "Given that the immune systems of very young children are still in the process of developing, their ability to combat infections, including the flu, might be less effective. This renders them more vulnerable to illness and severe symptoms. The spread of viral influenza resembles that of COVID-19, occurring through airborne transmission, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces due to actions like sneezing, coughing, and touching," the doctor added. How parents can protect their kids from this virus influenza? Refrain from crowded areas during peak seasons, and exercise extra caution around individuals who might be infected. Wearing masks and frequent hand washing continue to be crucial methods of prevention. If your child contracts the illness and displays symptoms such as a high fever or a runny nose, seek immediate medical advice from your doctor and administer the prescribed medication. Consuming seasonal fruits, which are naturally abundant in antioxidants, aids in enhancing immunity and bolstering the body's resistance against infections. The annual flu vaccination remains a fundamental measure to prevent severe infections. The IAP recommends the flu vaccine for children aged 6 months to 5 years who are attending school. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudden spike in respiratory illnesses in kids! How can parents protect them?

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