China’s ‘mystery pneumonia’ could be sweeping Europe as the Netherlands sees alarming surge in similar childhood illness

A MYSTERIOUS pneumonia-like illness overwhelming hospitals in China could be sweeping Europe, data suggests.

The Netherlands has reported a stark rise in cases of a similar respiratory virus in children.

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There were 103 pneumonia cases in every 100,000 youngsters aged five to 14 in the week to November 19 in the country.

This was up 24 per cent from the 83 recorded in the seven days before, data from the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL) shows.

It is also significantly above the weekly average during last year's peak flu season, which saw 58 kids fall ill.

Cases in under-fours were also up from 124 to 145 per 100,000 in the same period.

A NIVEL spokesperson said: "There are a striking number of children and young people with pneumonia."

The surge mirrors events unfolding in China, where an unspecified virus is infecting hundreds of children.

Hospitals in Beijing are packed with youngsters lying on floors while hooked up to IVs after showing symptoms such as inflammation in the lungs and a high fever, but no cough.

A similar situation is developing almost 500 miles away in Liaoning.

Doctors are said to be receiving thousands of phone calls a day, and schools have been evacuated to curb the spread.

This, and rising case numbers in the Netherlands, has sparked fears other countries, including the UK, could be impacted over Christmas.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it is "closely monitoring" the situation.

Chief executive Professor Dame Jenny Harries said: "We need to keep an open mind about the cause of any increased reporting of clusters of disease including of this illness in Chinese children.

"UKHSA is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to work with international partners to assess the emerging information as it becomes available."

Edward Liu, an infectious diseases specialist at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, told Fox News Digital said respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu could be to blame for the "sudden surge".

Covid and mycoplasma pneumoniae could also play a role, it is understood.

Dr Liu said: "I think people are worried about new respiratory infections showing up, even in other countries, as we have found out how quickly a respiratory virus can spread internationally.

"No one wants another pandemic."

But novel infections aren't easily detected in mainstream hospitals so it "makes sense for the WHO to assist China and the Netherlands in determining the cause of these respiratory infections", the doctor continued.

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The Netherlands has been reporting higher-than-normal cases of flu, Covid and RSV, which can all cause pneumonia.

Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at Reading University, told MailOnline: "It could be a local seasonal epidemic that just happens to coincide with the cases in China. 

"Pneumonia can have many causes so I doubt this can be analysed properly until the underlying infection(s) is defined."

Tom Peacock, from Imperial College London, added: "I suspect it may end up being something more mundane or a combination of things – say Covid, flu, RSV."

Officials first reported an increase in "influenza-like illness" in China in mid-October, which was put down to the lifting of tight lockdown restrictions that helped to stifle bugs.

The US and UK also saw spikes in infections like RSV and flu after pandemic rules were lifted last year.

The WHO made an official request for "detailed" information last week as cases continued to rise.

ProMed - a system that monitors global disease outbreaks and was one of the first groups to identify the dangers of coronavirus - issued a warning on November 22.

'SUBSTANTIAL WAVES'

Masks and social distancing have since been reinstated in a chilling echo of 2020.

Francois Balloux, from University College London, said: "Since China experienced a far longer and harsher lockdown than essentially any other country on Earth, it was anticipated that those ‘lockdown exit’ waves could be substantial."

More people die from pneumonia in the UK than anywhere in Europe.

Most are elderly, but the lung condition can be serious in children too.

Around 700 kids get it in the UK each year and they may have a cold or flu first, according to the charity Asthma + Lung.

Dr Simon Theobalds, GP at Pall Mall Medical, said: "Pneumonia is an inflammatory lung condition impacting the air sacs and is frequently triggered by bacterial, viral or other microbial infections.

"It's crucial to be vigilant for specific signs that distinguish it from other childhood viruses.

"While symptoms may overlap, pay attention to persistent high fever, rapid breathing and chest retractions.

"Keep an eye out for symptoms like a cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing."

The duration and intensity of symptoms can help differentiate pneumonia from other common viruses such as bronchitis.

Dr Theobalds said: "If the symptoms persist and escalate, seek urgent medical attention.

"Healthcare professionals can perform necessary tests such as blood tests and X-rays to determine an appropriate course of treatment."

A timely diagnosis and antibiotics can improve the chances of recovery, the expert added.

He said: "Fast medical attention can manage most cases.

"The population need not live in constant fear, as pneumonia is treatable and measures, such as vaccinations can significantly reduce risk."

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