INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday that Chinese health officials have not found any 'unusual or novel pathogens' in
respiratory illnesses spreading in the north of the country
They have also provided data regarding the rise in respiratory diseases and occurrences of pneumonia in children.This announcement follows
the WHO's request for additional details from China on Wednesday, prompted by reports from organizations like the Program for Monitoring
Emerging Diseases (ProMED) about unidentified pneumonia clusters in children in Northern China.In compliance with regulations, China
furnished a response to the WHO within 24 hours
The information provided included epidemiological and clinical data, along with laboratory findings, as requested through the International
Health Regulations framework.WHO inquiry and China's responseThe WHO's request for information followed reports of undiagnosed pneumonia in
children.China's timely response included epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory data.Identified causes and pathogensThe surge in
respiratory illnesses is linked to post-Covid-19 restriction easing.Known pathogens like mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza, RSV, and
adenovirus are implicated.Public and healthcare observationsIncreased patient volumes in hospitals and long waiting times have been
reported.Social media and news outlets highlight the strain on healthcare facilities.Seasonal surge and precautionsExperts suggest the surge
is a large seasonal increase, exacerbated by reduced immunity over the past years."It is just a relatively large seasonal surge, perhaps
partly due to chance and partly because there's a bit of 'immunity debt' from the lesser winter surges in the last three years," Ben
Cowling, an epidemiologist at Hong Kong University, told Reuters.Beijing's current situationBeijing faces a high incidence of respiratory
diseases with multiple pathogens.Parents report a rise in mycoplasma pneumonia cases among children.The city has "entered a high incidence
season of respiratory infectious diseases", Wang Quanyi, deputy director and chief epidemiological expert at the Beijing Center for Disease
Control and Prevention, told state media
Beijing "is currently showing a trend of multiple pathogens coexisting", he added.WHO's stance and actionsThe WHO continues to monitor the
situation without advising against travel or trade.The WHO, while continuing to gather more information, advised individuals in China to
adhere to specific precautions to lower the risk of respiratory diseases.These precautions include getting vaccinated, maintaining a
distance from those who are ill, staying home if sick, seeking testing and medical attention when necessary, wearing masks when suitable,
ensuring proper ventilation, and consistently washing hands, as per their recommendations.(With inputs from agencies)
