The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially requested detailed information from China on the increase in respiratory diseases and reported cases of pneumonia in children that has led to a strain on children's hospitals across the country. In a press conference held on November 13, 2023, the National Health Commission of China reported an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China.
The WHO cited reports, including one this week from ProMED, which tracks infectious disease outbreaks around the world, warning of "undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China." The international health body has requested additional epidemiological and clinical information and test results from Chinese officials, it said in a statement on Wednesday.
The resurgence of several respiratory pathogens comes as China approaches its first winter after easing strict Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, and appears to have hit children especially hard. "It is unclear whether these are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities, or with separate events," the WHO said.
Chinese authorities attributed this increase to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of pathogens known as the flu, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection that causes pneumonia, which generally affects younger children and can lead to in pneumonia, with symptoms that last weeks), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2.
Given this situation, authorities emphasized the need to improve disease surveillance in health centers and community settings, as well as strengthen the capacity of the health system to care for patients.
On November 21, media and ProMED reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. It is unclear whether these are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities or with separate events.
Therefore, WHO has requested additional epidemiological and clinical information, as well as laboratory results of these reported groups among children, through the mechanism of the International Health Regulations. It has also called for more information on recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and the current burden on healthcare systems.
Since mid-October, northern China has reported an increase in flu-like illnesses compared to the same period in the previous three years. The WHO assures that China has systems to capture information on trends in influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2, and reports to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.
"While WHO is seeking this additional information, we recommend that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, including getting recommended vaccinations; keeping distance from sick people; staying home when sick; getting tested and receiving medical attention as necessary; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand washing," they warn in a statement.
More people are already masking up on Beijing's busy subways, while teachers in the city have pleaded with parents not to send their children to school if they show any symptoms.
Potentially fueling concerns is that the most common antibiotic used to treat mycoplasma infections faces greater drug resistance in China than in other parts of the world.
Between 60% and 70% of cases in adults and up to 80% of cases in children do not respond to the drug, azithromycin and other antibiotics in the same class, Yin Yudong, an infectious disease doctor, told Beijing. from Chaoyang. News earlier this month.
This has sparked a rush of parents eager to get their hands on the best children's hospitals in some Chinese megacities.
