Chinese childhood pneumonia reaches the Netherlands

The Netherlands Health Services Research Institute reported that it is monitoring an increase in pneumonia in children. The organization detailed that from Nov. 13 to 19, there were 103 cases per 100,000 children between 5 and 14 years old, compared to 83 per 100,000 children the previous week.

In addition, the institute reported an increase among children aged zero to 4 years, from 124 (Nov. 6-12) to 143 (Nov. 13-19) per 100,000 people.

“There are a surprising number of children and young people with pneumonia. In week 46, the number of children aged 5 to 14 years with pneumonia increased to 103 cases per 100,000 children. At its peak last year, there were 58 per 100,000. General practitioners also see more pneumonia in the group of young people between 15 and 24 years old than in previous years in week 46 it does not increase more, but rather decreases slightly,” explained the health organization.

Childhood pneumonia outbreak in China

The information was reported precisely at a time when the World Health Organization is on alert due to the increase in a rare pneumonia in children. According to the international organization, the source of the disease is unknown.

"The WHO requested additional epidemiological and clinical information through the mechanism of the International Health Regulations, as well as the results of the analyzes carried out on samples taken from said children. In addition, the organization requested more information on recent trends regarding the circulation of known pathogens, such as influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and on the current burden on health care systems," explained the organization in statements published on its official website.

"On November 21, the media and the ProMED system ... reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China ... It is not known whether these cases are related to the general increase in respiratory infections previously reported by the Chinese authorities or whether they are independent episodes," the WHO added.