In a statement posted on its social media on Wednesday, the WHO said it had asked Beijing for “detailed information about the increase in respiratory diseases” in China.
The World Health Organization on Wednesday expressed concern about a surge in respiratory illnesses in China and urged the population to “take protective measures” in a press release posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“The WHO has officially asked China for detailed information about the increase in respiratory diseases and pneumonia outbreaks among children,” said the statement, the authenticity of which was confirmed by a spokesperson for the organization, which recommended “taking action.” reduce the risk of respiratory disease.”
These measures (already developed during the Covid-19 pandemic) include vaccinations, keeping your distance from patients, staying at home if you have symptoms, testing and, if necessary, care, as well as wearing a mask if necessary, good ventilation of the premises and washing your hands.
Spread of known pathogens
On November 22, after Chinese authorities and Chinese media reported an increase in respiratory illnesses, including outbreaks of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China, the WHO requested additional epidemiological and clinical information and laboratory results on these reported outbreaks in children through the International Health Regulations Mechanism.
The organization also called for “additional information on recent trends in the spread of known pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19), RSV, which affects infants, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, as well as the extent of infection Infection.” “Overloading of the health systems,” the press release continues.
WHO is connecting with clinicians and scientists through our existing technical partnerships and networks in China. The UN agency said Chinese authorities attributed this increase in respiratory illnesses to the lifting of Covid-19-related restrictions and the spread of known pathogens.
The WHO has repeatedly criticized Chinese authorities for a lack of transparency and cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic, the first cases of which appeared in China in late 2019.