WHO urges Chinese to take action in light of an increase in respiratory illnesses.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization recommended Chinese citizens to “follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness and requested further details from the authorities regarding a suspected increase in pediatric cases.
According to the WHO, since mid-October, there has been a rise in influenza-like illness in the country’s northern regions as compared to the same period in the previous three years.

WHO stated in a statement released on social media and verified to AFP by a representative that the UN health organization has issued an official request to China for comprehensive information on an increase in respiratory ailments and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.
On November 13, Chinese officials informed reporters that the increase in respiratory illnesses was brought on by the removal of Covid-19 limits and the spread of recognized pathogens, such as the flu and common pediatric bacterial infections.

Clusters of undetected pneumonia in children in northern China were reported by the media and public illness surveillance system ProMED on November 21.
The WHO stated that it was unsure if ProMED’s report had anything to do with the news conference held by the authorities and that it was looking for clarification.
The organization has additionally asked for more data on current patterns in the spread of recognized infections, such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19), RSV that affects young children,

The statement also included information on Mycoplasma pneumoniae and the level of overcrowding inside the healthcare system.
It advised individuals to take precautions in the interim, including getting vaccinated, avoiding sick people, staying at home while sick, regularly washing their hands, and using masks when necessary.
The WHO did not provide any information about China’s reaction to the request for additional data.