New mystery pneumonia-type virus 'rips through' China as hospitals 'overwhelmed'
A new mystery repository virus has been discovered in China, leaving hospitals "overwhelmed" by the out-of-control illness.
The undiagnosed form of pneumonia is wreaking havoc in the country's capital, Beijing, and is taking its toll on members of the public in Liaoning too. ProMED, the international society for infectious diseases, has already labelled the outbreak of the unknown pneumonia strain as an epidemi. Infectious disease specialist Dr Neil Stone has since warned some infected individuals are showing no signs of symptoms, not even a cough. The World Health Organisation has also confirmed they are looking into the new virus, requesting detailed information on the outbreak.
Health bodies across the globe are concerned at the surge in unidentified cases (AFP via Getty Images)A spokesman said: "WHO requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from these reported clusters among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism. We have also requested further information about recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and mycoplasma pneumoniae, and the current burden on health care systems. WHO is also in contact with clinicians and scientists through our existing technical partnerships and networks in China."
It comes as international regulator associated Dr Stone took to X/ Twitter and wrote: "The last time I saw reports of an outbreak of undiagnosed pneumonia in China thought, naa...no big deal. Wont amount to much. That was in December 2019. Not making that same mistake again." He also revealed the words of an unnamed source, who, according to the Daily Star told him: "Many, many are hospitalized. They don't cough and have no symptoms. They just have a high temperature (fever) and many develop pulmonary nodules."
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Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
The WHO statement continued: "While WHO seeks this additional information, we recommend that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, which include recommended vaccination; keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand-washing."
Hospitals in Beijing are reportedly overrun with infected patients and hospitals are now far exceeding their capacity, CNN reported. An unnamed staff member at Beijing Friendship Hospital said: "Right now, we have a lot of kids here. Those who booked an emergency appointment yesterday still weren’t able to see the doctor this morning." The National Health Commission is currently warning of "long wait times and a high risk of cross-infection" due to the massively overcrowded hospitals. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, UNSW Sydney's Christine Jenkins, a respiratory medicine professor, has said "prompt reporting and monitoring are essential".
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