Mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China: Hospitals overwhelmed as cases surge, WHO issues advisory | All you need to know
World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday called on individuals in China to adhere to measures aimed at lowering the risk of respiratory illness. Additionally, the organization requested further information from authorities regarding a documented increase in cases among children.
During a press briefing held on November 13, 2023, representatives from the National Health Commission in China disclosed a rise in the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the country. Northern areas of the country have reported “an increase in influenza-like illness since mid-October when compared to the same period in the previous three years," the UN health body said in a statement posted on X.
Also Read: China urges people for ‘final victory’ against Covid as global concerns mount On 21 November, the media and public disease surveillance system ProMED reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. “It is unclear if these are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities, or separate events," said WHO.
“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 added. Also Read: China’s ‘batwoman’ scientist warns another ‘highly likely’ coronavirus outbreak in future: Report Chinese authorities told reporters on November 13 that the respiratory illness spike was due to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza and common bacterial infections that affect children.
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