WHO Requests Detailed Information from China on Increase in Respiratory Illnesses and Pneumonia Clusters in Children
The World Health Organization (WHO) has made an official request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children. This request comes after Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China at a press conference on 13 November 2023.
Chinese authorities attributed the increase in respiratory illnesses to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. They 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.
However, on 21 November, media and ProMED reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. It is unclear if these clusters are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities or if they are separate events.
In response to these reports, WHO has requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from the reported clusters among children through the International Health Regulations mechanism. They have also requested further information about recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens and the current burden on healthcare systems. WHO is also in contact with clinicians and scientists through existing technical partnerships and networks in China.
Since mid-October, 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, they recommend that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, including recommended vaccination, keeping distance from people who are ill, staying home when ill, getting tested and seeking medical care as needed, wearing masks as appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, and regular hand-washing. They have also assured that they will continue to provide updates on the situation.