Another US state experiences children’s outbreak as global mystery illnesses and viruses escalate
Outbreak of Mystery Illnesses and Viruses Sweeps Across the Globe
As the calendar turns to December, something viral must be seeping into the air.
A second U.S. state has identified a curious “outbreak” of pneumonia that specifically seems to be afflicting children.
On Wednesday, Ohio became the first state to put out an announcement that pediatric pneumonia cases in the Buckeye State had officially hit critical mass.
“Since August, there have been 142 cases of pediatric pneumonia reported,” the Warren County Health District said in a news release. “Not only is this above the county average, it also meets the Ohio Department of Health definition of an outbreak.”
In and of itself, that would hardly be noteworthy.
Children typically do get more frequently sick as temperatures plummet in December, and Ohio is inarguably chillier than, say, Hawaii.
What’s a little more noteworthy is that a similar spike in pediatric pneumonia has cropped up in western Massachusetts, per WGGB-TV.
A local doctor noted to the outlet that a surge in respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, was paving the way for a spike in “walking pneumonia” cases.
(“Walking pneumonia” is non-medical term for a lesser strain of the virus.)
“So, this is the season for RSV and we’re seeing a whole lot of it … a lot of kids with, you know, upper viral respiratory infections, cough, runny nose, some fevers and the thinking with RSV is that it can cause lower viral respiratory infections, so they get spread to your lungs,” Dr. John Kelley told WGGB.
Kelley further explained that while RSV symptoms can be mild and typically go away in a matter of days, “There are no medications to give to cure. Once you have it, is all supportive care.”
According to Kelley, 80 percent of the walking pneumonia cases in this spike are a direct result of RSV, while the other 20 percent of the cases stem from bacterial infections.
What’s even more noteworthy yet is that these outbreaks are coming in the midst of two other medical mysteries that are raging on.
In far closer proximity to the pediatric pneumonia, is a strange, inexplicable illness that has ravaged swaths of American dogs.
Fourteen states have declared cases of a mystery illness afflicting dogs.
And while dogs are obviously not children, there is one curious thing linking these two together, apart from both being American problems: The illnesses are going after lungs.
Dozens of dogs are currently suffering from an inexplicable respiratory disease that has cropped up, and nobody appears to have any clue why.
Making this actually noteworthy is that this rash of mysterious respiratory illnesses is cropping up while the rest of the globe is grappling with its own respiratory issues.
As NBC News pointed out, a recent “upsurge” in respiratory illness in China has overwhelmed some hospitals.
India Today noted similar cases cropping up in Europe, as well.
To be perfectly clear: All of these outlets are also noting that there is no grand conspiratorial link between one spike and outbreak versus another.
There is no indicator or reason to think this is anything more than a batch of simultaneous outbreaks in various pockets of the globe, simultaneously affecting the same area (lungs), that just happens to be hitting both canines and humans…
… But it sure sounds suspicious, doesn’t it?
Read more: Second US State Sees Outbreak in Children as Mystery Illnesses and Viruses Ratchet Up Globally
Source: The Western Journal
How are researchers and health officials working collaboratively to identify the causes, develop treatments, and implement preventive measures to contain and mitigate the spread of these enigmatic outbreaks
Outbreak of Mystery Illnesses and Viruses Sweeps Across the Globe
As December dawns upon us, it appears that something viral must be seeping into the air, as mysterious illnesses and viruses continue to afflict various parts of the globe. The latest revelation comes from the United States, where a second state has identified a peculiar outbreak of pneumonia that seems to be primarily affecting children.
Ohio, on Wednesday, became the first state to confirm that pediatric pneumonia cases had reached critical mass in the Buckeye State. According to the Warren County Health District, 142 cases of pediatric pneumonia have been reported since August, surpassing the county average and meeting the Ohio Department of Health’s definition of an outbreak.
Normally, the occurrence of pediatric pneumonia would not raise too many eyebrows. After all, children tend to fall sick more frequently as temperatures drop during winter. However, what is noteworthy is that a similar surge in pediatric pneumonia cases has also been reported in western Massachusetts.
According to a local doctor, the spike in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases has paved the way for an increase in “walking pneumonia” cases. RSV is known to cause upper viral respiratory infections, which can lead to lower respiratory infections affecting the lungs. While RSV symptoms usually subside within a few days and do not require medication, supportive care is crucial. About 80 percent of the walking pneumonia cases in this spike have been attributed to RSV, while the remaining 20 percent stem from bacterial infections.
Aside from these outbreaks, there are two other medical mysteries that continue to unfold across the country. Coincidentally, these mysteries bear a strange connection with the pediatric pneumonia outbreak – they are both targeting the lungs.
Firstly, a baffling and inexplicable illness has been plaguing dogs in various parts of the United States. Fourteen states have reported cases of this mysterious canine illness, which poses a grave concern to pet owners. Although dogs are obviously not children, the fact that both outbreaks affect the respiratory system raises questions about a potential underlying cause.
The global community is anxiously seeking answers to these enigmatic outbreaks, as they continue to wreak havoc on individuals and their beloved pets. Researchers and health officials are tirelessly working to identify the causes, develop effective treatments, and implement preventive measures to contain and mitigate the spread of these illnesses.
In the face of these outbreaks, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Following good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and respiratory etiquette, can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms and staying informed through reliable sources are essential steps in effectively managing these outbreaks.
As the world navigates through this uncertain period, international collaboration and coordinated efforts among health organizations, governments, and communities will play a pivotal role in combating these mysterious illnesses and viruses. The road ahead may be challenging, but with scientific advancements and collective determination, we can hope to find answers and safeguard the health and well-being of our global population.
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