The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a surge in “influenza-like illness” in northern China since mid-October, compared to the same period in the past three years. In an official statement on Wednesday, the UN health body disclosed that it has formally requested detailed information from China regarding the escalation in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children.
China’s National Health Commission attributed the spike in respiratory illnesses to the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens, specifically influenza and common bacterial infections affecting children, such as mycoplasma pneumonia.
Amidst a cold snap in the northern region, particularly in Beijing, where temperatures are anticipated to drop significantly by Friday, Wang Quanyi, deputy director and chief epidemiological expert at the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the city is entering a high incidence season of respiratory infectious diseases. He noted a trend of multiple pathogens coexisting in the region.
Reports from Beijing’s Capital Institute of Pediatrics’ Children’s Hospital revealed an increase in cases, with concerned parents seeking medical attention for their children. While acknowledging the rise in respiratory illnesses, some parents attributed it to the seasonal shift, expressing a lack of particular concern.
On November 21, the media and public disease surveillance system ProMED reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. The WHO is seeking clarification on the relationship between ProMED’s report and the authorities’ press conference.
The WHO’s official statement also stressed its request for additional information on the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19 virus), RSV affecting infants, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It urged preventive measures such as vaccination, maintaining distance from sick individuals, and the use of masks.
The WHO did not provide information on China’s response to the request, and China’s foreign ministry did not respond to inquiries from AFP on Thursday. The call for transparency echoes previous concerns during the Covid-19 pandemic, where the WHO criticized Chinese authorities for lack of transparency and cooperation, especially regarding the origins of the virus. The WHO has emphasized the importance of uncovering the origins to prevent future pandemics. Source – France24
