The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced it is looking into reports of an increase in respiratory illnesses in children in China.
Sharing a statement on social media platform X, a spokesperson said the situation is being monitored after Chinese authorities told of the increase at a press conference on November 13.
Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.
They appear to have attributed this to the lifting of Covid restrictions and the circulation of known illnesses like influenza.
A spokesperson confirmed they have “requested more information” but have warned people in China to follow measures to reduce respiratory illnesses in the meantime.
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The statement from WHO read: “WHO has made an official request to #China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children. At a press conference on 13 November 2023, Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China.”
Respiratory infections in children can produce a variety of symptoms, including a cough, fever and sickness.
WHO said Chinese authorities have “stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance” within healthcare facilities and to strengthen the capacity of their health system.
“On 21 November, media and 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. On 22 November, WHO requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from these reported clusters among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism,” the statement continued.
“We have also requested further information about recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and mycoplasma pneumoniae, and the current burden on health care systems. WHO is also in contact with clinicians and scientists through our existing technical partnerships and networks in China.”
The first reports came in mid-October from Chinese officials who reported an influx in influenza-like illness compared to the same period in the previous three years.
The statement added: “China has systems in place to capture information on trends in influenza, influenza-like illnesses, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, and reports to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.
“While WHO seeks this additional information, we recommend that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, which include recommended vaccination; keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand-washing.”
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