China is grappling with a spike in respiratory illnesses as it enters its first full winter season since it lifted strict COVID-19 restrictions in December.
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. 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 which 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 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. 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.
edit2: format, spacing
WHO statement on reported clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China | 22 November 2023 https://www.who.int/news/item/22-11-2023-who-statement-on-reported-clusters-of-respiratory-illness-in-children-in-northern-china
https://promedmail.org/promed-post/?id=8713277
China sees mysterious pneumonia outbreak, hospitals flooded with patients [2:06 | Nov 22 2023 | WION] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI5TnlmQqCw
WHO pressing China for details on spike in cases of new virus [1:19 | Nov 24 2023 | ABC News] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEIWiv_DpV0
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