The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday expressed concern about the increase in respiratory infections and the occurrence of outbreaks of pneumonia in children in China and asked the country for detailed information on these cases.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, WHO recalled that Chinese National Health Commission authorities reported an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China during a press conference on November 13.
At the time, Chinese authorities attributed this increase to the lifting of restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the circulation of known pathogens, such as influenza and ‘mycoplasma pneumoniae’ (a common bacterial infection that normally affects younger children) . syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19.
Authorities emphasized the need for better disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, and to strengthen the healthcare system’s capacity to manage patients.
WHO statement on reported clusters of respiratory diseases in children in Northern China
The WHO has submitted an official request to this effect #China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory diseases and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.
Until the press conference on 13… pic.twitter.com/Jq8TgZjWNX
– World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 22, 2023
Earlier this week, the media and the ProMED surveillance system reported outbreaks of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China, the WHO note said, stressing that it is not yet clear whether these cases are linked to the increase previously reported by Chinese of respiratory infections. authorities or whether these are separate events.
In the statement, WHO said it requested additional epidemiological and clinical information, as well as laboratory results of these cases reported in children, through the mechanism of international health regulations on Wednesday.
“We also requested more information on recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and ‘mycoplasma pneumoniae’, and the current pressures on healthcare systems,” the WHO said, adding that it also “connects with physicians and scientists through technical partnerships and networks [de vigilância] in China”.
Recalls that Northern China has reported an increase in influenza-like illnesses since mid-October compared to the same period in the previous three years, and that the country has systems in place to collect information on trends in influenza, influenza-like illnesses, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 and prepare reports for platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.
While you wait for this additional information, WHO recommends that the Chinese population follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory disease, including vaccination, keeping a distance from sick people, staying home when sick, getting tested and getting medical care if necessary, wearing masks, ensuring proper ventilation and washing. your hands regularly.
Source: DN
