The UK government’s health experts have finally spoken out about the mysterious illness that has taken hold of China.
Specialists are becoming concerned about an undetected form of pneumonia spreading in Beijing and Liaoning. Because of its rapid spread throughout cities, ProMED, the worldwide association for infectious diseases, has labelled it an epidemic.
The World Health Organisation appeared concerned enough to remark, admitting that additional information was required. Days later, China declared that the mystery ailment can be ascribed to “multiple known pathogens.”
However, as concern grows around the world over the possibility of another epidemic, the UK Government’s top scientist has finally spoken out, claiming that the country should keep a “open mind” about it.
“We need to keep an open mind about the cause of any increased reporting of clusters of disease including of this illness in Chinese children. UKHSA is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to work with international partners to assess the emerging information as it becomes available.”
The remarks came only 24 hours after the WHO stated that it was still “monitoring the situation,” which has seen hospitals overrun with youngsters infected with the virus, which appears to have no symptoms at first – with only a high temperature being the first clue.
There have been no further details provided concerning what happens to those who catch it.
However, contrary to several reports from news outlets with sources on the ground, a WHO spokesman said: “Chinese authorities advised that there has been no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens or unusual clinical presentations, including in Beijing and Liaoning, but only the aforementioned general increase in respiratory illnesses due to multiple known pathogens.”
“They further stated that the rise in respiratory illness has not resulted in patient loads exceeding hospital capacities.”