GENEVA. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially requested information from China regarding a concerning increase in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia clusters in children. WHO’s inquiry follows media reports and global monitoring indicating undiagnosed pneumonia clusters in northern China.
While the cause remains unclear, the U.N. health agency has asked for details on circulating viruses and any strain on hospitals. Experts, including Dr. David Heymann and Francois Balloux, note a likely background of seasonal respiratory infections and urge caution before suspecting a novel pathogen.
In northern China, a surge in influenza-like illnesses since mid-October has overwhelmed hospitals, prompting health authorities to advise taking children with milder symptoms to primary healthcare facilities.
Beijing Children’s Hospital faces capacity challenges, with over 7,000 daily patients. China’s National Health Commission is coordinating efforts to address infectious diseases among children, implementing a tiered diagnosis and treatment system.
This situation recalls concerns from the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak when Chinese officials hid patients. WHO, now seeking additional information, emphasizes public health measures in China, recommending vaccination, isolation for the unwell, mask-wearing as needed, and seeking medical care.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
