The WHO, in a statement published on its social networks on Wednesday, said it had asked Beijing for “detailed information on an increase in respiratory diseases” in China.
The World Health Organization expressed concern on Wednesday about an increase in respiratory diseases in China and asked the population “to take protective measures”, in a press release published on X, formerly Twitter.
“WHO has made a formal request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and outbreaks of pneumonia reported among children,” said the statement, the authenticity of which was confirmed by a spokesperson for the organization, which recommends taking “steps to reduce the risk of respiratory illness.”
These measures (already hammered out during the Covid-19 pandemic) include vaccination, distancing from patients, staying at home in the event of symptoms, tests and care if necessary as well as wearing a mask if appropriate, good ventilation premises and hand washing.
Circulation of known pathogens
After Chinese authorities and Chinese media reported a rise in respiratory illnesses, including outbreaks of undiagnosed pneumonia among children in northern China, the WHO on November 22 called for ” additional epidemiological and clinical information, as well as laboratory findings on these reported outbreaks in children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism.
The organization “also requested additional information on recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19), RSV which affects infants and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, as well as on the degree of congestion in the health systems”, the press release further specifies.
WHO is connecting with clinicians and scientists through our existing technical partnerships and networks in China. The UN organization indicated that Chinese authorities attributed this increase in respiratory illnesses to the lifting of restrictions linked to Covid-19 and the circulation of known pathogens.
The WHO has repeatedly criticized the Chinese authorities for their lack of transparency and cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic, the first cases of which appeared in China at the end of 2019.