The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested more information from China regarding “clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia” that are reportedly increasing among children in the country’s north.
According to non-state media reports, pediatric hospitals in several parts of China are overcrowded with unwell children.
Chinese officials blamed the lifting of Covid restrictions for an increase in flu-like symptoms this winter.
The WHO is advising Chinese citizens to take preventative steps.
The UN health agency said in a statement that it requested further information on allegations of “clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China” in the media and from ProMed, a worldwide outbreak tracking system.
Pneumonia is a broad medical word for an infection and inflammation of the lungs. Various viruses, bacteria, or fungi can cause it.
Following the release of the WHO statement, the state-run Xinhua news agency published an item on Thursday in which officials from China’s National Health Commission (NHC) stated that they were paying particular attention to diagnosing and treating children with respiratory infections.
While talks of China and a wave of infection can make people nervous, recalling the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s an excellent procedure for the WHO to seek clarification. But the only way of understanding why this outbreak of illnesses has occurred is if Beijing responds.
It is also uncommon for the WHO to request further information from countries regarding a cluster of illnesses. They do it nearly every day.
Daily, a WHO professional staff sifts through hundreds of media reports and internal surveillance data on circulating diseases from countries. Experts then assess whether more information is required if it becomes a public health emergency of international concern.
However, it is unusual to request additional information public. Previously, this was done through private channels between the WHO and national health officials.
China: WHO Seeks Data On ‘Pneumonia Clusters’ In Children
The UN agency is undoubtedly concerned that people may be more wary of viruses reported in China after COVID-19. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the WHO is likewise attempting to be more transparent.
The UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated it was carefully monitoring the situation.
According to the WHO, Northern China has recorded an “increase in influenza-like illness” since October, compared to the same period in the previous three years.
The Chinese NHC reported last week that various respiratory infections were rising nationwide, including influenza, COVID-19, mycoplasma pneumonia (a frequent bacterial infection affecting younger children), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Officials attributed the increase to the removal of COVID-19 limitations.
Other nations, like the United Kingdom and the United States, had similar increases in flu-like symptoms when pandemic restrictions were relaxed.
“China is likely experiencing a major wave of childhood respiratory infections now because this is the first winter after their lengthy lockdown,” said Prof Francois Balloux of the University College London Genetics Institute.
China: WHO Seeks Data On ‘Pneumonia Clusters’ In Children
Prof Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia (UEA) stated that there is now insufficient data to establish a definitive diagnosis of what is causing the diseases.
“Overall, this does not sound like an epidemic caused by a novel [new] virus,” he continued. If that’s the case, I’d expect many more adult infections. The rare illnesses documented in adults point to pre-existing immunity from previous exposure.”
The WHO says it is unclear whether the reported pneumonia outbreak and the overall increase in respiratory diseases reported by Beijing are linked and has issued a formal request for more information.
It has encouraged Chinese citizens to take basic precautions such as getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and washing their hands.
SOURCE – (AP)
