Rising cases of Pneumonia in Mainland-China

On November 13, 2023, China’s National Health Commission reported a significant increase in respiratory diseases throughout the country. These diseases, which primarily affect children, are caused by various factors, including influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The increase in cases was attributed to two main reasons:

• Firstly, the lifting of COVID-19 social measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, handwashing, and restricted movements which allowed individuals with compromised immune systems or those without necessary vaccinations/boosters to interact freely.
• And secondly, seasonal fluctuations, including the cold winter, which is expected to cluster people in enclosed areas and close proximity to each other.
Spread and Symptoms: Several countries, including China, India, Netherlands, Taiwan, and Vietnam, have reported positive cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a type of pneumonia also known as walking pneumonia. The symptoms of this disease include a sore throat, fatigue, and a lingering cough that can persist for weeks or months.