2023-11-24 17:30:00
WHO Receives Information from Chinese Authorities about Unknown Pneumonias
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been closely monitoring reports of rising cases of ‘unknown pneumonias’ in northern China, sounding the alarm and pressing Chinese health authorities for additional information. In a recent statement, the WHO stated that it had not identified any new pathogens or unusual syndromes associated with the outbreak.
The WHO was initially alerted to the situation after a message on ProMed, a reporting service of the International Association for Communicable Diseases (Isid), reported a rising number of cases of unknown pneumonias in children’s hospitals in Beijing and Liaoning province. The healthcare provider from Liaoning described the overwhelmed hospitals, with patients waiting hours for treatment.
On November 13, the Chinese National Health Commission indicated a rise in cases of respiratory infections, especially in children, attributing it to the winter season, the relaxation of Covid measures, and known pathogens such as flu, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, RSV, and the coronavirus.
After contacting Chinese health authorities and a pediatric hospital in Beijing via video link, the WHO confirmed that an increasing number of patients have been suffering from bacterial pneumonia since May, with more cases of RSV, adenovirus, and influenza emerging since October. However, the Chinese authorities have stated that no unusual or new pathogens have emerged.
Dr. Ben Cowling, an epidemiologist from Hong Kong University, commented on the situation, stating that it is the first full winter season for China since the end of strict Covid measures and that the large seasonal outbreak may be due to an “immunity deficit” after fewer major winter outbreaks in the past three years.
While the WHO does not advise against traveling to China, it is closely monitoring the situation and urges travelers to be cautious. The organization has expressed that they are reassured after receiving information from the Chinese authorities, but they emphasize that little detailed information is currently available about the outbreak.
Notably, the recent reports of unknown pneumonias in China have raised concerns globally, particularly due to the country’s role as the origin of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, which caused the global Covid-19 pandemic. The WHO has expressed dissatisfaction with China’s lack of transparency in providing information about the new coronavirus, causing alarm bells to go off more quickly in instances where infectious diseases are reported in China.
As the situation continues to unfold, the WHO remains committed to closely monitoring the outbreak of unknown pneumonias in China and providing updates as new information becomes available.]
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