What does WHO say about respiratory illness in China and elsewhere?

The World Health Organization (WHO) commented on the cases of respiratory illness in China after receiving information from the country.

People wearing face masks wait in the outpatient area of ​​the respiratory department at a hospital in Beijing on January 8.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that rising cases of common respiratory diseases in China and elsewhere around the Northern Hemisphere are within the expected winter range and there are no reports of unusual outbreaks.

Reports of a surge in human pneumonia virus (HMPV) cases, a common respiratory infection, in China have drawn attention, with reports of hospital overcrowding reminiscent of the start of the Covid-19 pandemic more than five years ago, according to Reuters.

However, the WHO said in a statement on January 8 that it had been in contact with Chinese health authorities and had not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns there. Chinese authorities had also informed the UN health agency that the health system was not overwhelmed and that no emergency response had been activated.

WHO said data from China up to 29 December 2024 showed that detections of HMPV, seasonal influenza, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) had all increased in recent weeks, particularly in northern parts of China. Influenza is now the most common cause of illness reported, WHO said.

“The observed increase in acute respiratory infections and associated pathogen detections in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere in recent weeks is expected at this time of year and is not unusual,” WHO added.

HMPV usually causes cold-like symptoms for a few days, but in rare cases can lead to hospitalization in children, the elderly, or people with underlying health problems.

Unlike SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19, which is a new virus, HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and has likely been circulating for much longer, scientists say.

Several other countries, including India and the UK, have also seen increases in HMPV cases this winter, as well as other respiratory infections, in line with seasonal trends that can sometimes overwhelm hospitals.

“Almost every child will have at least one HMPV infection before their fifth birthday,” says Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia in the UK. He says countries are also improving their ability to diagnose the disease, which could be a factor in the increased reported incidence.

“Overall, I don't think there are any signs at the moment of a more serious global problem,” he said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/who-noi-gi-ve-benh-ho-hap-o-trung-quoc-va-cac-noi-khac-185250108204001198.htm