WHO information on respiratory disease in China

Known pathogens

On November 24, according to information from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam, since mid-October, WHO has been monitoring data from China's surveillance systems showing an increase in respiratory diseases in children in northern China.

At a press conference on November 13, China’s National Health Commission reported a rise in the incidence of respiratory diseases nationwide, mainly affecting children. The increase is due to the lifting of Covid-19-related restrictions and cold weather, as well as to known pathogens circulating such as influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), of which Mycoplasma pneumoniae and RSV are known to affect children more than adults.

Recent respiratory illnesses reported in China have been caused by known pathogens, no unusual pathogens have been reported.

Through the International Health Regulations mechanism, WHO has requested that China provide epidemiological and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from these reported cases, and data on recent trends in the circulation of respiratory pathogens. The primary aim is to determine whether there are “undiagnosed pneumonia clusters” in Beijing and Liaoning as mentioned in media reports, and whether these are isolated events or part of a known general increase in community-acquired respiratory illness.

On 23 November, WHO held a teleconference with Chinese health authorities from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Beijing Children's Hospital, supported by the National Health Commission and the National Administration for Disease Control and Prevention, in which data were provided showing an increase in outpatient consultations and hospitalizations in children due to pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma, RSV, adenovirus and influenza virus since October. This increase is not unexpected due to the lifting of Covid-19-related restrictions, as has happened similarly in other countries.

Chinese health authorities report no change in disease manifestations. Chinese authorities advise that no unusual or new pathogens or unusual clinical manifestations have been detected, including in Beijing and Liaoning, but only the aforementioned general increase in respiratory diseases caused by multiple known pathogens.

The increase in respiratory illnesses has not resulted in the number of patients exceeding hospital capacity.

Avoid traveling if you have respiratory symptoms, if possible.

Based on currently available information, WHO recommends that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, including getting recommended vaccines against influenza, Covid-19, and other respiratory pathogens as appropriate; maintaining distance from people who are sick; staying home when sick; getting tested and seeking medical care when needed; wearing appropriate masks; ensuring good ventilation; and practicing frequent handwashing.

WHO does not recommend any specific measures for travelers to China. In general, people should avoid traveling if they have symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, if possible. If symptoms develop during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare provider.

WHO recommends that no travel or trade restrictions be imposed based on the currently available information about this event.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/who-thong-tin-ve-benh-ho-hap-tai-trung-quoc-185231124160231375.htm