According to Reuters, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially made a request for detailed information from China regarding an increase in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children. Chinese authorities reported an increase in respiratory diseases at a press conference on November 13, attributing it to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, and the virus that causes COVID-19.
Chinese authorities emphasized the need for improved disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and communities, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients. The WHO has faced questions about transparency in reporting on the earliest COVID-19 cases in Wuhan in late 2019 and early 2020. The health agency also reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China and requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information from China.
WHO urged people in China to take measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, including vaccination, keeping distance from ill individuals, staying home when ill, getting tested and seeking medical care when needed, wearing masks as appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, and practicing regular hand-washing.
(Reporting By Deena Beasley; Editing by Stephen Coates)
