Walking Pneumonia.. A respiratory infection that starts in China

A respiratory infection originating in China, spreading throughout Europe, and causing a significant increase in hospital admissions. 

However, this time it's not COVID-19. Instead, it's a bacterium known as "Mycoplasma Pneumoniae" that is responsible for a majority of these cases. Interestingly, it primarily affects children.

The bug typically leads to fairly mild symptoms. It's commonly known as "Walking Pneumonia."

However, in numerous countries, there has been a surge in more severe infections, pediatric clinics in China are facing an overwhelming number of cases.

Meanwhile, in Denmark, the State Serum Institute has declared epidemic levels, with 541 cases reported last week, which is over three times the number recorded in mid-October.

And in the Netherlands, the number of cases has surged significantly since August, surpassing the peak of last winter by twofold.

The surge in cases across multiple countries simultaneously does not indicate the beginning of a new pandemic.

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae tends to occur in periodic waves every few years, primarily affecting children who lack immunity.

Currently, the level of immunity is expected to be low among children at this period of the year.

Throughout the COVID lockdowns, children were protected from the usual infections that they would typically encounter, creating what scientists refer to as an "Immunity Debt."

This can potentially lead to more severe infections. In the United Kingdom, this phenomenon resulted in a significant increase in invasive Group A Strep cases last winter, tragically leading to the loss of some children's lives. Presently, other countries are grappling with a pneumonia bug. In light of this, the World Health Organization has requested additional information from Chinese authorities regarding the situation in their hospitals. However, it is important to note that this is a precautionary measure and not a cause for alarm. 

As we continue to navigate through the era following the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to exercise caution and stay alert in order to promptly detect any unexpected increase in the number of infections.