China’s respiratory outbreak is ‘expected’ and not caused by new virus

Although the ongoing outbreak may have raised fears that a new pandemic like COVID-19 is emerging, it has not been caused by a new pathogen, and experts say we shouldn’t be concerned. (Image credit: d3sign via Getty Images) In mid-November, news broke of an outbreak of respiratory illness in China, raising concerns that another pandemic like COVID-19 might emerge. Now, scientists say the pathogens behind the surge are actually quite common. The worries of another pandemic started Nov. 13, when China’s National Health Commission announced a nationwide increase in respiratory infections, mainly in children, according to the World Health Organization…