Inquiry from WHO: China urged to provide information on respiratory illness outbreaks

In February 2022, small figurines were strategically placed in front of the World Health Organization logo to symbolize health and safety initiatives. Recently, the WHO has requested information from China regarding a surge in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children, described as a “routine” check.

The National Health Commission of China reported an increase in respiratory disease cases on November 13, attributing it to the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, and the virus causing COVID-19. There have been questions regarding the transparency of reporting on early COVID-19 cases in Wuhan, China.

The WHO has requested additional epidemiologic and clinical data as well as laboratory results, particularly regarding the clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children. The global agency also emphasized the importance of obtaining information about current pathogen circulation and its impact on healthcare systems.

It was mentioned in a recent press conference that there has been a noticeable rise in respiratory illnesses, which is consistent with the cyclical nature of mycoplasma pneumoniae epidemics. Furthermore, China has reported an increase in influenza-like illnesses since mid-October.

Social media images from hospitals in cities like Xian have shown crowded waiting areas, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The WHO advises that the public in China continue to follow health measures to reduce the risk of respiratory ailments, including vaccination, maintaining distance from sick individuals, seeking medical care when necessary, and practicing good hygiene.

In conclusion, the WHO, alongside the media, is closely monitoring the situation in China and emphasizes the importance of maintaining health and safety protocols in the face of a potential increase in respiratory illnesses.

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