WHO asks China to give more information on mystery pneumonia outbreak

China has been asked to provide detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia in children amid reports that hospitals in cities including Beijing and Liaoning are “overwhelmed with sick children”.

In a statement the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said it has requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from reported outbreaks among children.

Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission held a press conference on 13 November to report an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in the country, the WHO said in a statement.

“Since mid-October, northern China has reported an increase in influenza-like illness compared to the same period in the previous three years,” the statement said.

On Tuesday, ProMed – which monitors global disease outbreaks – issued a notification on reports of pneumonia in children in China.

The Telegraph reported that the latest post said hospitals in the capital Beijing and Liaoning were struggling amid an influx of children sick with pneumonia.

“Many, many are hospitalised,” Mr Wei, a Beijing citizen, told Taiwan’s FTV News, the paper said. “They don’t cough and have no symptoms. They just have a high temperature (fever) and many develop pulmonary nodules.”

The WHO said Chinese authorities attributed the increase to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, and the virus that causes COVID-19.

Chinese authorities stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients.

WHO said that while it seeks additional information, it recommends that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, including vaccination; keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand-washing.

With agencies