BEIJING – WHO on Thursday said it had made an official request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children the country.
The global health agency referred to a press conference on November 13, 2023, where Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China.
Chinese authorities attributed this increase to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common bacterial infection that typically affects younger children; respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19).
Authorities stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients.
On November 21, 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.
The following day, WHO requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from the reported clusters among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism.
“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 said in the statement.
WHO said it is also in contact with clinicians and scientists through its technical partnerships and networks in China.
Since mid-October, WHO said, northern China has reported an increase in influenza-like illness compared to the same period in the previous three years.
“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 handwashing,” the statement added.
Washington-based Chinese epidemiologist and health economist Eric Feigl-Ding in a threat on X said insiders have told him Chinese doctors have been told by government authorities to not report any numbers, test patients and not report any tests.
“Some school classes have even been canceled completely. Not only are all students sick, but teachers are also infected with pneumonia. ‘Mr. [W], a Beijing citizen: “Now you are not allowed to report to school. If you have any symptoms such as fever, cold, cough and then you are hospitalized'”, Eric X’d.
He added that it is too early to project whether this could be another pandemic.
