China Faces Surge in Respiratory Illnesses as COVID Restrictions Lifted
SHANGHAI, Nov 24 (Reuters) – China is currently dealing with a rising number of respiratory illnesses, particularly within schools and hospitals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has asked the Chinese government for disease data and is urging vigilance as no unusual or novel pathogens have been detected at this time.
The surge of respiratory illnesses comes as China enters its first full winter season since lifting strict COVID-19 restrictions in December. Cases among children in northern areas such as Beijing and Liaoning province appear to be especially high, prompting hospitals to warn of long waits.
The State Council of China has stated that influenza is expected to peak this winter and spring, and mycoplasma pneumoniae infection will continue to be high in certain areas. Additionally, the council has cautioned about the risk of a rebound in COVID infections.
In response to the situation, the State Council released a statement, saying, “All localities should strengthen information reporting on infectious diseases to ensure information is reported in a timely and accurate manner.”
The WHO recently made a request for more information from China after a report detailed clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children. Both China and the WHO have faced scrutiny regarding the transparency of reporting on COVID-19 cases that first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019.
According to the WHO, the data provided by China suggests that the cases are linked to the lifting of COVID restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens like mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common bacterial infection that typically affects children and has been circulating since May.
While health advisories have been issued to warn the public about the situation, no measures similar to those during the COVID pandemic, such as mandatory mask-wearing or school closures, have been put in place. Despite this, there has been no indication of any undue public alarm.
Bruce Thompson, head of the Melbourne School of Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne, stated that preliminary data suggests nothing out of the ordinary. He added, “At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it may be a new variant of COVID,” and reassured that surveillance processes are working effectively.
Parents in Shanghai have expressed varying levels of concern about the surge in sickness. Some believe it is more severe and will likely pass soon, while others are taking precautions such as mask-wearing and frequent handwashing.
While the situation is being closely monitored, China awaits further guidance from health authorities to address the surge in respiratory illnesses.
Reporting by Andrew Silver and Nicoco Chan in Shanghai and the Beijing Newsroom; writing by Brenda Goh; Editing by Robert Birsel