Health Alert: Respiratory Illness in China Raises Concerns for Nepal

Health professionals have highlighted that Nepal could potentially face the risk of the respiratory illness that has been affecting Chinese children for the past fortnight. Reports from international media reveal that hospitals are inundated with patients suffering from the disease, which has expanded its reach beyond Beijing. The condition and its origin remain unknown.

Symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties have been noted in afflicted children. Upon examination, Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria, Covid-19 virus, pathogens, influenza, and sinusitis virus were detected in patients.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has demonstrated interest in the ailment circulating in China. WHO requested a report on the disease from China and emphasized that children within all age brackets are more susceptible to the illness. Consequently, they have urged the global population to be vigilant.

Following the abrupt emergence of this pneumonia-like respiratory disease in China, the Indian government issued a notice, appealing for health institutions to ready themselves and citizens to remain alert. However, Nepal's government has not released an official statement regarding this issue.

Previously, Nepal was severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic with its roots in China. Presently, Nepal is at risk from this unidentified ailment spreading throughout China. Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, coordinator of the Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, cautioned that it could not be ruled out that this spreading disease in China might impact Nepal. According to him, this contagion pervading Beijing and neighboring regions is on track to expand further.

Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari, head of the Health Emergency and Disaster Management Unit, stated that due to China being a neighboring nation and the overlap of cross-border movement between both countries, Nepal is susceptible to this spreading affliction. He noted that rapid transportation has diminished global boundaries and enabled infectious diseases found in one area to disseminate worldwide quickly. As a result of confirmed vulnerabilities due to neighboring nations, caution should be exercised. The official maintained that the full extent of the effects, characteristics, and origins of this currently circulating disease in China cannot be determined until comprehensive information is available.

Dr. Anup Raj Bastola, Infectious Disease Specialist and head of the Therapeutic Division of the Ministry of Health and Population added that the risk of this respiratory disease in Nepal cannot be gauged without a detailed description from China. He stated that a complete understanding of its specific cause must be established before determining its potential impact on Nepal.

Dr. Rudra Marasini, Director of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, asserted that the government has not yet assessed the threat of this respiratory illness in China. He said, "There is no accurate evaluation of its implications for Nepal." This Division has not issued any warning notices as of now.