WHO has officially requested detailed information from China regarding the increase in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children.
Chinese authorities reported a rise in respiratory diseases, attributing it to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2. They emphasized the need for enhanced disease surveillance and strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients.
Media and ProMED have reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China, but it remains unclear if these are connected to the overall increase in respiratory infections reported by Chinese authorities.
WHO has requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, laboratory results, and information about recent trends in pathogen circulation and the burden on healthcare systems. WHO also remains in contact with clinicians and scientists in China.
Influenza-like illness has increased in northern China since mid-October, prompting WHO to recommend measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, including vaccination, maintaining distance from ill individuals, staying home when ill, getting tested and seeking medical care when needed, wearing masks, ensuring good ventilation, and practicing regular hand washing.
WHO will continue to provide updates on the situation.
