US city raises alarm over leap in hospital cases as world fears Chinese illness spike
Hospitals in Washington DC are on high alert after a spike in a mysterious respiratory illness, as scientists fear the outbreak from China is spreading.
A mysterious respiratory illness is reportedly wreaking havoc in hospitals in Washington D.C raising concerns for public health, according to reports.
FOX 5 DC reported that hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care locations, and clinics are experiencing a surge in sick visits, indicating a potential outbreak of the unidentified respiratory illness that started in China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively monitoring the situation and reportedly reviewing data from China after a video surfaced, revealing groups of people, predominantly children, undergoing treatment for the mysterious illness.
Chinese health officials, however, are attributing the spike in respiratory illnesses to the flu and known pathogens.
Despite their assurances, the WHO remains vigilant and has expressed the need for a thorough examination of the situation.
READ MORE: China breaks silence mystery illness sparking fresh epidemic fears
On Thursday, Chinese health authorities informed the WHO that they had not detected any "unusual or novel diseases" related to the increased cases of respiratory illnesses and pneumonia in children.
Scientists collaborating with the WHO are calling for close monitoring of the situation, emphasising the importance of remaining vigilant even if the cause is seemingly identified.
They remain unconvinced that the recent surge in respiratory illnesses in China indicates the onset of a new global outbreak.
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The WHO highlights that historically, the emergence of new flu strains or other viruses capable of triggering pandemics often begins with undiagnosed clusters of respiratory illness.
Notably, both Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19 were initially reported as unusual types of pneumonia.
The medical community is closely watching the unfolding situation to contain and mitigate the impact of this mysterious respiratory illness, preventing any potential escalation into a global health crisis.
