KUALA LUMPUR: A health expert urged Malaysians not to panic amidst the current surge of respiratory illnesses and pneumonia clusters among children.
Monash University molecular virologist Associate Professor Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam believes that these outbreaks are likely attributable to a resurgence of familiar respiratory pathogens following the strict coronavirus lockdowns in the country rather than stemming from a new infection.
"The increase happens at the same time Beijing faces cold weather, and the extreme temperatures are causing more respiratory infections. While caution is needed, we should not panic and remain calm.
"The winter season in China, following the implementation of rigorous Covid-19 lockdowns, may expose a higher population of children who lack immunity to certain viruses and bacteria.
"Individuals whom these pathogens have infected may experience a decline in immunity over time. This sets the stage for a potential significant surge in infections, similar to what has been observed in other countries post-lockdowns," he said.
Dr Vinod clarified that children affected by this unidentified illness present with elevated temperatures and lung inflammation, distinct from typical pneumonia symptoms, as they are observed without a cough.
He mentioned the symptoms are akin to those seen in flu or respiratory virus diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. The symptoms of these viral infections can vary from mild, cold-like symptoms to more severe respiratory issues like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Furthermore, he said the potential that the symptoms might be indicative of mycoplasma pneumonia. Bacteria cause this type of pneumonia, and it often has symptoms, including cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.
"Numerous children are being admitted to hospitals, displaying no cough or other noticeable symptoms besides a high temperature, and many are developing small clumps of cells in the lungs. Despite the notable increase in cases, there have been no reported deaths.
"Currently, the majority of the people who are affected by this undiagnosed pneumonia are children. If a new pathogen were the cause, adults should also be falling ill, given their lack of previous exposure.
"Further diagnosis can only be made when detailed information regarding the rise in respiratory illnesses and reported pneumonia clusters in children is provided by the Chinese authorities," he added.
Though the Covid-19 infection has subsided, he stressed the need to adhere to hygiene practices.
"Some virus variants are still circulating and capable of causing infection and symptoms, especially in the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with metabolic diseases.
"It is always pertinent to take extra care in crowded areas as much as we can and also take measures like staying at home if we have symptoms of respiratory diseases," he advised.
On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) urged people in China to 'follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness' and asked authorities for more information about a reported spike in cases among children.
WHO said northern areas of the country have reported an increase in 'influenza-like illness' since mid-October compared to the same period in the previous three years.
Chinese authorities told reporters on Nov 13 that the respiratory illness spike was due to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza and common bacterial infections that affect children.