Childhood pneumonia in China is rising unexpectedly, departing from post-COVID winter norms in other countries.
The WHO attributes the spike to prevalent winter diseases rather than novel viruses.
China's health authorities blame adenoviruses, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus for the hospitalization increase.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, especially in northern locations like Beijing.
Epidemiologist Benjamin Cowling of the University of Hong Kong predicts a 'winter surge' in respiratory illnesses.
Common respiratory disorders recur in the first winter after pandemic measures are eased.
China had more M. pneumoniae infections than other countries during the post-COVID winter surge. B.
The spike poses issues for China's health-care system, particularly M. pneumoniae antibiotic resistance.