Geneva – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a pressing plea to China, seeking additional information on a concerning surge in respiratory illnesses sweeping through the northern part of the country. Authorities are urging the Chinese government and citizens alike to take proactive measures to curb the escalating risk of infection.
Recent data reveals a significant uptick in “influenza-like illness” in northern China since mid-October, drawing attention from health officials worldwide. The surge is particularly notable when compared to the same timeframe in the preceding three years, according to a statement released by the WHO.
In a formal announcement on Wednesday, the UN health body declared, “WHO has officially reached out to China, requesting comprehensive details regarding the surge in respiratory illnesses and the emerging clusters of pneumonia cases, especially affecting children.”
The move underscores the global concern surrounding the unidentified respiratory ailment. It highlights the need for swift, transparent information-sharing to understand better and mitigate the potential health risks associated with the outbreak.
Health experts closely monitor developments as the situation unfolds, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and prompt action to contain the spread of the mysterious illness. The WHO’s call for increased data sharing reflects a unified effort to safeguard public health and prevent the further escalation of the respiratory crisis in northern China.
Beijing’s Silent Battle
Last week, Beijing’s National Health Commission (NHC) informed the press that a surge in respiratory illnesses was attributed to the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and the presence of familiar pathogens such as influenza and common bacterial infections affecting children.
Wang Quanyi, the deputy director and chief epidemiological expert at the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stated to the state-run Beijing News on Wednesday, “Capital had entered a season marked by a high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases.”
He said, “Beijing is witnessing the simultaneous presence of multiple pathogens.”
On November 21, ProMED, a media and public disease surveillance system, reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed uncertainty about the connection between ProMED’s report and the official press conference, seeking clarification.
The WHO also requested additional information on the recent circulation of known pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19), RSV affecting infants, and Mycoplasma pneumonia. They also inquired about the level of overcrowding in the health system.
While awaiting more details, the WHO recommended preventive measures, such as vaccination, maintaining distance from sick individuals, and wearing masks. As reported by state media, “Beijing is currently in a cold spell, with temperatures expected to drop significantly by Friday.”
The WHO did not disclose China’s response to their request for more information, and the Chinese foreign ministry did not provide comments in response to an AFP request on Thursday.
Call for transparency
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) consistently admonished Chinese authorities for their perceived lack of transparency and cooperation.
Despite more than three years since the initial detection of cases in Wuhan, a contentious debate continues to swirl regarding the origins of COVID-19.
Scientists remain divided between two primary theories: one proposing a potential escape from a laboratory in the city dedicated to studying such viruses, and the other suggesting an intermediary animal transmission occurring at a local market.
In the earlier part of this year, WHO experts expressed confidence that Beijing holds a significant amount of data crucial for unraveling the origins of Covid-19. They stressed the moral obligation for this information to be shared.
An investigative team led by the WHO and including Chinese colleagues delved into China in early 2021. However, no subsequent team has been able to return, leading WHO officials to seek additional data repeatedly.
WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has emphasized that unraveling this mystery could prevent future pandemics.
Reference
- Amid Reports of Mysterious Pneumonia Outbreak In China, WHO Said This. Accessed on November 24, 2023 [Internet]. Available from: https://jionews.pie.news/summary/655ea5f698ac57b61f4e47a2?from=Share
