Severe pneumonia outbreak in China; Center directs states to make preparations

NEW DELHI: The central government has reviewed the preparations to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases and pneumonia clusters in children in China. The Center has clarified that the situation is being closely monitored and there is no cause for concern.

The health ministry has directed states and Union Territories to conduct an immediate assessment of public health and hospital preparedness measures. The Center also pointed out that adequate availability of human resources, hospital beds, essential drugs, medical oxygen, antibiotics, personal protective equipment (PPE), testing kits and diagnostic aids in hospitals should be ensured.

The center also directed to ensure proper functioning of oxygen plants and ventilators and is closely reviewing protocols to prevent the spread of infections.

Reports surfaced of a mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China, prompting warnings of another pandemic. This disease is prevalent in children. The disease was first reported in northern China. Educational institutions have been closed in areas with high prevalence of the disease due to outbreaks among children.

The primary symptoms reported are fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing. It is similar to normal pneumonia but ten times more severe. The World Health Organization is taking the new health threat very seriously considering the impact caused by the covid epidemic that originated in China.

However, China explained that there is nothing unusual about lung diseases and pneumonia clusters and that no new pathogen has been detected. The World Health Organization has asked China for an explanation.