New Chinese bacterial disease enters India; 7 cases Identified at Delhi AIIMS
By Lokmat English Desk | Published: December 7, 2023 05:26 PM2023-12-07T17:26:54+5:302023-12-07T17:26:54+5:30
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Amid India's ongoing battle with COVID-19, a new worry has emerged. A Chinese bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae has entered the country. This bacteria is affecting young children.
Between April to September, AIIMS Hospital in Delhi has reported seven cases. This surge in numbers has heightened concerns about the situation.
Mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacteria that causes respiratory illness in young children. In China through two tests of PCR and IDM-ELISA this virus can be detected.
The positivity rate in PCR and IgM ELISA tests has been found to be between three and 16 per cent. Therefore, after facing the corona from China, now the fear of this disease has spread in India. There is an atmosphere of anxiety among parents.
According to the report, now we need to be careful and to be monitored to detect mycoplasma pneumonia.
The report, published in the Lancet microbe, states that one case was detected through PCR test in the early stages of infection, while the remaining six cases were detected through IGM ELISA test.
Cases of walking pneumonia have been observed in various countries, including China and several European nations. The increase in numbers is causing concerns, especially considering that the COVID-19 pandemic originated in China in December 2019 and spread globally. The spike in cases is prompting heightened vigilance and attention to potential health challenges.
Dr. Rama Choudhary, former head of the Microbiology Department at AIIMS Delhi and a member of the consortium, informed media that Mycoplasma pneumonia is considered the cause of 15-20% of community-acquired pneumonia cases.
Infection with mycoplasma pneumonia usually affects young children and school-going children, but it can affect anyone. People living in crowded places and living or working in infection-prone areas are at greater risk.
Symptoms
Children who are infected with mycoplasma pneumonia usually have some common symptoms. Which includes sore throat, feeling tired, heat, cough, and headache. If such symptoms are found, consult a doctor immediately.
