Experts raise concern over surge in strange pneumonia outbreak in Northern China

A surge in undiagnosed pneumonia cases, particularly among children, has been reported across northern China, including in the capital Beijing.

Hospital staff have reported an influx of patients, and videos on social media show parents and children overwhelming waiting rooms, Newsweek reported.

The geographic spread of the cases, affecting areas over 650 kilometers apart, suggests a wider outbreak with experts believing that the sudden wave of illness among predominantly young patients could indicate exposure within the country's school system.

The situation raises concerns, especially considering the secrecy and downplaying of the initial emergence of COVID-19 in China.

Reports suggest that children with high fevers but without typical pneumonia symptoms are being admitted to hospitals.

There are concerns about potential efforts by the Chinese government to minimize the visibility of the outbreak.

Local media reported on a Beijing resident who said students were being instructed to request leave directly from their teachers and were discouraged from discussing their illness with fellow classmates.