The World Health Organization (WHO) warned about outbreaks of respiratory diseases causing pneumonia in children in northern China and, in a statement issued on November 22, asked that country to provide information on the increase in cases and their origin.
In a press conference held on November 13, 2023, Chinese authorities at the National Health Commission reported an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases. They attributed this increase to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection that generally affects younger children), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (cause of COVID-19).
China’s leaders emphasized the need to improve disease surveillance in health centers and community settings, as well as strengthen the capacity of the health system to care for patients.
Still, on November 21, the media and ProMED reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. And it is not clear whether these conditions are associated with the general increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities or with separate events.
On November 22, WHO requested additional epidemiological and clinical information , as well as laboratory results from these reported groups , through the International Health Regulations mechanism.
Finally, on November 23, the WHO held a teleconference with health authorities from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Beijing Children’s Hospital, facilitated by the National Health Commission and the National Administration for Disease Control and Prevention. of Diseases, in which the requested data was provided. According to them, the increase in outpatient consultations and hospital admissions of children with pneumonia was due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae (since May) and RSV, adenovirus and influenza virus (since October).
Some of the increase in cases occurred earlier in the historic season , but they were not unexpected given the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions . Chinese authorities reported that no unusual or new pathogens or unusual clinical presentations have been detected, including in Beijing and Liaoning, but only the aforementioned general increase in respiratory illnesses due to multiple known pathogens. They also stated that the increase in respiratory diseases has not caused the patient load to exceed hospital capacities.
Chinese authorities reported that since mid-October, enhanced surveillance has been implemented in outpatients and inpatients for respiratory diseases covering a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria, including, for the first time, Mycoplasma pneumoniae . This complements existing respiratory surveillance mechanisms and may have contributed to the observed increase in the detection and reporting of respiratory diseases in children.
As reported by the WHO, China has systems to capture information on trends in influenza, influenza-like illnesses, RSV and SARS-CoV-2, and reports to platforms such as the Global Surveillance and Response System. the flu.
While the WHO is seeking additional information, it recommends that the Chinese population follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory diseases, such as vaccination; keep distance from sick people; stay home when an illness occurs; get tested and receive medical attention if necessary; wear masks as appropriate; ensure good ventilation; and regular hand washing.
The WHO will continue to provide updates on the case, as officially reported.
