Amid pneumonia outbreak in China, 16 children die from the illness in Mizoram

Amid the pneumonia outbreak in China affecting mostly children that has caused a scare across nations, as many as 16 children have been died from the respiratory illness so far in Mizoram.

The paediatric ward of many government hospitals had no vacant beds on November 22, so the authorities had to transfer a number of children to private hospitals. Currently, 16 of the 18 children admitted to the hospital have pneumonia, said a Times of India report.

According to reports, the state is seeing an increase in pneumonia cases among children. This year, at least 700 children have been hospitalized with pneumonia; most of these patients were younger than five years old.

According to reports, 25 of the 50 patients who visited the Outpatient Department (OPD) on November 21 were confirmed to have pneumonia, there might be additional pneumonia patients in the Champhai district who have not yet consulted doctors or approached hospital.

What is pneumonia?

An illness that can attack one or both lungs is called pneumonia. It causes a buildup of fluid or pus in the lungs’ air sacs, or alveoli. Pneumonia can be caused on by fungus, viruses, or bacteria.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

The primary symptoms pneumonia are–Cough, yellow or even bloody mucus, fever, shortness of breath, shallow breathing, loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue.

Vaccination helps prevent certain types of pneumonia. Pneumonia risk can also be reduced by maintaining heart-healthy lifestyle habits and good hygiene.

The outbreak that is now raising concerns across the globe and has caught the attention of World Health Organisation (WHO) worried too, first originated in north China in mid-October.

WHO has sought more information from China regarding the outbreak.

Meanwhile, China on Friday said that there is no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens.

The Chinese authorities further stated that the rise in respiratory illness has not resulted in patient loads exceeding hospital capacities.

Also Read: Pneumonia outbreak in China. All you need to know