WHO demands answers over rise in child respiratory illnesses in China

The World Health Organization is demanding answers from China over an alarming surge in respiratory illnesses in China.

The World Health Organization has officially requested that China provide detailed information on a surge in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.

Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission held a press conference on November 13 to report an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in the country, the WHO said in a statement.

Chinese authorities attributed the increase to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae (a bacterial infection which typically affects younger children), respiratory syncytial virus, and the virus that causes Covid-19.

“WHO has made an official request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children,” WHO said in an official statement.

WHO statement on reported clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China

WHO has made an official request to #China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.

At a press conference on 13… pic.twitter.com/Jq8TgZjWNX

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 22, 2023

It noted that since mid-October, northern China has reported an increase in “influenza-like illness” compared to the same period in the previous three years.

WHO officials say it was unclear if these reports were related to the infections discussed at the authorities’ press conference and that it was seeking clarification.

“On 21 November, media and ProMED reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China,” the statement says.

“It is unclear if these are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities, or separate events.

“On 22 November, WHO requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from these reported clusters among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism.

“We have also requested further information about recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and mycoplasma pneumoniae, and the current burden on health care systems.

“WHO is also in contact with clinicians and scientists through our existing technical partnerships and networks in China.”

The WHO statements says since mid-October, northern China has reported an increase in influenza-like illness compared to the same period in the previous three years. China has systems in place to capture information on trends in influenza, influenza-like illnesses, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, and reports to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.

“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 handwashing,” it says.