The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on China to provide additional information regarding the reported “clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia” affecting children in the northern part of the country. According to non-state media reports, paediatric hospitals in certain regions are facing an overwhelming number of sick children.
Chinese authorities have attributed the surge in flu-like illnesses this winter to the relaxation of Covid-19 measures. While the WHO acknowledges the increase in influenza-like illnesses since October in northern China, it is seeking clarification on the reports of undiagnosed pneumonia in children.
The UN health agency issued a statement expressing its desire for more information from media reports and the ProMed global outbreak surveillance system. The WHO is urging the Chinese population to take precautionary measures to reduce transmission.
In response to the WHO’s statement, China’s National Health Commission officials stated that they are closely monitoring the diagnosis and care of children with respiratory illnesses. The country has reported a rise in various respiratory diseases, including influenza, Covid-19, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Officials attribute the increase to the easing of Covid restrictions.
The WHO emphasises the need for clarity on the reported pneumonia outbreak and the overall rise in respiratory infections. It remains uncertain whether the two phenomena are linked, prompting the official request for more detailed information. The WHO is encouraging people in China to adopt basic precautions such as vaccination, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene.
As the first winter following an extended lockdown in China, the country may be experiencing a significant wave of childhood respiratory infections due to reduced circulation of respiratory bugs and decreased immunity to endemic bugs. Similar surges in flu-like illnesses have been observed in other countries, including the UK and the US, after the relaxation of pandemic restrictions.
Kiki Garba
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