The World Health Organization (WHO) has made an official request to China for more information amid an increase in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia in children linked to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
It comes after Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in respiratory diseases in the country during a press conference on November 13.
Northern China has seen an increase in influenza-like illness compared to the previous three years since mid-October, according to the WHO.
"Chinese authorities attributed this increase to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection which typically affects younger children), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19)," the WHO said today in a statement.
"Authorities stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients."
It was followed by reports by media and online medical community ProMED on November 21 of clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. It's unclear at this stage if the pneumonia cases are associated with the increase in respiratory infections reported by Chinese health authorities.
The WHO today requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from the reported clusters. It also made a request for further information on the "circulation of known pathogens including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and mycoplasma pneumoniae, and the current burden on health care systems".
"While WHO seeks this additional information, we recommend that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, which include recommended vaccination; keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand-washing."
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