What has China told WHO?

Following a teleconference with Chinese health authorities Thursday, the WHO said that the increase in cases of respiratory illness is "earlier in the season in comparison than historically experienced", adding that it is not unexpected considering the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. "Chinese authorities advised that there has been no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens or unusual clinical presentations, including in Beijing and Liaoning, but only the aforementioned general increase in respiratory illnesses due to multiple known pathogens," read the WHO statement.

Is the health sector overloaded in China?

Media reports and videos circulating on social media showed that hospitals in China are overcrowded with patients. An article in The New York Times said, the National Health Commission in China has acknowledged the reports of overcrowding in hospitals. As per the WHO statement citing Chinese authorities, the spike in number of patients, however, has not exceeded hospital capacities. The authorities also indicated that incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae may have contributed to the increase in detection and reporting of respiratory illness among children.

What has the WHO advised?

The WHO has recommended that people in China should follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, which include recommended vaccines against influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens. It advised keeping distance from people who are ill, staying home during illness, getting tested and medical care as needed, wearing masks, ensuring good ventilation, and practising regular handwashing. Even as WHO has not recommended any specific measures for travellers to China, it mentioned that people experiencing symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness should avoid travel. In case of symptoms during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with their health care provider. WHO has also advised against the application of any travel or trade restrictions based on the current information available on this event.

Should there be a worry over another pandemic?

After the WHO sought more information from China on the development, leading scientists urged caution over fears of another pandemic. "We have to be careful," Marion Koopmans, a Dutch virologist who advised the WHO on COVID-19, was quoted as saying by Reuters. "We really need more information, particularly diagnostic information."

What is mycoplasma pneumoniae?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen and a common cause of paediatric pneumonia, and is readily treated with antibiotics. Even though there is limited detailed information on respiratory illness in children, the arrival of winter season is expected to have caused the spike. As per the surveillance data given by Chinese authorities, influenza-like illness (ILI) was above usual levels for this time of year and increasing in the northern provinces. Influenza detections were predominantly A(H3N2) and B/Victoria lineage viruses.

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Spike in respiratory illness in China: ‘No unusual or novel pathogen,’ says WHO | Top points

After the WHO sought more information from China on the development, leading scientists urged caution over fears of another pandemic.

By: Express Web Desk
New Delhi | Updated: November 25, 2023 01:47 PM IST

1 min read

At a press conference on November 13, 2023, Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China.

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The recent spike in cases of respiratory illness, especially among children, in China prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to seek a detailed report on the development. The hospitals in China have been overcrowded with patients, reports and videos showed. Amid the spike, fear looms over the development of another pandemic. Here is all you need to know about the illness and what the WHO has suggested.

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