China’s hospitals are overwhelmed with cases of respiratory illnesses and sick children with pneumonia-like symptoms, prompting a closer look from the World Health Organization (WHO).
A Beijing children’s hospital reported admitting at least 7,000 patients daily, far exceeding its capacity. The largest pediatric hospital in Tianjin also saw more than 13,000 children at its outpatient and emergency departments last week.
Liaoning province, 690km northeast of the capital, is also struggling with high case numbers. The Chinese health ministry has urged local authorities to increase the number of fever clinics and strengthen drug supplies.
The WHO has issued a formal request for disease data on respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children, seeking more detailed information from China, an unusual move for the UN health agency.
Furthermore, the lifting of Covid restrictions in December and the circulation of known pathogens like mycoplasma pneumoniae may have contributed to the rising cases of these illnesses, as suggested by Chinese health authorities.
Amidst conflicting reports and expert opinions, the situation is creating a sense of uncertainty and caution as health authorities and scientists work to understand and address the outbreak in China.
Stay updated on this unfolding story and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
