'Mystery Pneumonia' Outbreak in China Forces Workers in Hazmat Suits To Disinfect Streets, Structures; Alarming Spikes of Similar Illness Also Observed in Netherlands

Pneumonia cases among children have been seeing a concerning spike in the Netherlands. This observed surge appears to be similar to the one in China.

Surge in Netherlands

According to Dutch health experts, a concerning number of individuals have ended up getting sick since the numbers started surging in August. Most cases involve individuals from five to 14 years old. Based on surveillance data, the illness' rates are almost twice as high as last year's recorded peak.

The NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research) explains that a higher-than-expected number of patients with pneumonia have been seeing their GP since August.

The condition, which typically involves lung inflammation, is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It tends to improve in two weeks. Shortness of breath, fever, and cough are all signs of the condition.

According to NIVEL data, the week that ended on November 16 had 103 per 100,000 children from five to 14 years old who received a pneumonia diagnosis. Last year's peak was just 58 cases in every 100,000.

GP practice data also reveals that more individuals from 15 to 24 years old are unusually having pneumonia.

While NIVEL did not shed light on the sharp spike, the Netherlands is also facing higher flu, RSV, and COVID cases. Each virus can result in pneumonia.

Moreover, officials in the UK say that they are keeping their minds open when it comes to the spike's reason, though this surge comes as China also battles its own mystery pneumonia outbreak.

It also seems that the cluster in the Netherlands could predate China, as it only reportedly increased in November.

Virologist and professor Ian Jones from Reading University explains that it remains unclear as to why surging pneumonia cases are seen in the Netherlands unless data is tracked better. Jones adds that it may be a seasonal and local epidemic that just coincidentally took place with the outbreak in China. He adds that pneumonia can be caused by several things, expressing doubts that the situation may not be analyzed properly until experts can define the underlying infection.

Mystery Pneumonia Outbreak in China

Disturbing footage that can be likened to the darkest days of COVID shows health workers wearing hazmat suits, masks, and gloves. These workers were disinfecting hallways, schools, and outdoor areas.

According to officials from Beijing, they have ruled out the spike being due to a new virus. They argue that the surge is due to a seasonal illness that comes as the country goes through a full winter without the curbs of the COVID era. The World Health Organization also noted that data suggests that the illness spike was a rebound of seasonal conditions that followed the brutal lockdowns of the country.

Beijing officials first reported heightened rates of the respiratory condition on November 13. They attributed this rise to the lifting of restrictions. Such patterns were also observed elsewhere, as measures implemented to reduce COVId spread also interrupted the spread of usual and seasonal viruses. Hence, populations may have seen a drop in immunity against bugs, making people more vulnerable.

In the meantime, the World Health Organization has urged China to observe social distancing, to stay home when sick, and to wear masks.

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