The outbreak of atypical pneumonia, also known as “walking” or “asymptomatic” pneumonia, continues in China, according to Bild. Schools are taking measures to disinfect classrooms, while pediatric hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. In response to the World Health Organization’s request, Chinese authorities have announced that the cause of the outbreak is not a new virus, but rather known pathogens such as the flu, adenoviruses, mycoplasma, and chlamydia.

Experts believe that the current increase in respiratory infections is a result of the restrictions implemented in response to COVID-19. The Robert Koch Institute in Germany has also observed a rise in respiratory diseases, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and mycoplasma. Similarly, the Netherlands has seen a rise in pneumonia cases among children, particularly affecting those between the ages of 5 and 14. Sweden has also reported similar cases of pneumonia, mainly attributed to bacterial infections caused by mycoplasma.