SRINAGAR: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an official request to China for detailed information following a surge in respiratory illnesses, including reported clusters of pneumonia in children. Chinese authorities had earlier attributed the increase to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2.
The situation escalated on November 21, with media and ProMED reporting clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. The WHO, in response, urgently requested additional epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory information on these reported clusters through the International Health Regulations mechanism.
As of mid-October, northern China has reported a notable increase in influenza-like illness compared to the same period in the previous three years. China, equipped with systems to monitor trends in respiratory diseases, reports to global platforms like the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.
However, reports from hospitals in northern China suggest a strain on healthcare facilities, with long lines at registration and waiting rooms filled with parents and children seeking medical attention. The surge in respiratory diseases coincides with the end of China’s National Day holiday week, a period associated with increased travel.
Despite the alarming situation, experts, including virologist Jin Dong-yan from the University of Hong Kong, have indicated that there is no evidence of a major unknown disease or a hidden threat. Jin highlighted similarities with other countries that experienced surges in respiratory diseases after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
In response to the situation, WHO has recommended that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, including vaccination, maintaining distance from the ill, staying home when unwell, testing and seeking medical care when necessary, wearing masks as appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, and practicing regular hand-washing.
While concerns persist among parents, the WHO and experts emphasise the need for transparency and timely information from relevant government departments to address public anxiety. As the situation unfolds, the WHO has committed to providing regular updates on the evolving respiratory illness situation in China.
