WHO’s Urgent Demand for Information from China Amidst Growing Concerns Over Respiratory Illness Surge

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) has formally called upon China to provide comprehensive information regarding a notable uptick in respiratory illnesses, particularly clusters of pneumonia cases in children.

The National Health Commission of China addressed the media on November 13, highlighting a rise in the incidence of respiratory diseases across the nation. According to the WHO, Chinese health authorities attributed this surge to the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of familiar pathogens, including influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection affecting younger children), respiratory syncytial virus, and the virus responsible for COVID-19.

Emphasizing the necessity for heightened disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and communities, Chinese authorities stressed the importance of bolstering the healthcare system’s capacity to manage patients effectively.

The call for information comes amidst lingering questions about the transparency of reporting on the initial COVID-19 cases in Wuhan in late 2019 and early 2020, involving both China and the WHO.

Reports from the WHO revealed that groups, including the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases, brought attention to clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia cases in children in northern China. It remains uncertain whether these cases are linked to the overall surge in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities or if they represent separate incidents.

The WHO has formally requested additional epidemiological and clinical data, along with laboratory results, concerning these reported outbreaks among children through the International Health Regulations mechanism. Furthermore, the organization seeks more information from China about the trends in the circulation of known pathogens and the current strain on healthcare systems.

The health agency remains in close communication with clinicians and scientists through its established technical partnerships and networks in China. Since mid-October, the WHO noted a rise in influenza-like illness in northern China compared to the same period in the past three years. China has systems in place to capture information on illness trends and promptly report data to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.

While awaiting additional information, the WHO recommends that individuals in China adhere to measures to mitigate the risk of respiratory illness. These include vaccination, maintaining distance from sick individuals, staying home when unwell, seeking testing and medical care when necessary, using masks when appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, and practicing regular hand-washing. The global health agency continues to closely monitor the situation and collaborate with Chinese authorities to better understand and address the evolving respiratory health challenges.