China says it has not detected any new or unusual pathogens linked to rising cases of lung disease in the country’s north, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday (23 November), after requesting detailed information in Beijing.
“Chinese authorities have indicated that no new or unusual pathogens have been detected, nor unusual clinical signs, including in Beijing and Liaoning, but only the general increase in the number of cases of respiratory illnesses due to pathogens known »the WHO said in a statement.
On Wednesday, the organization had “made an official request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia outbreaks reported among children. She also asked the population “to take action” protection. These measures, already hammered out during the Covid-19 pandemic, include vaccination, distancing from sick people, staying at home in the event of symptoms, tests and care if necessary as well as wearing a mask. it is appropriate, good ventilation of the premises and washing of hands.
Abandonment of health restrictions
Speaking to the press on November 13, Chinese authorities attributed this increase in respiratory illnesses to the abandonment this year of anti-Covid health restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens. They then stressed the need to improve disease surveillance in health establishments, as well as to strengthen the capacity of the health system to care for patients, specifies the WHO.
Chinese state media and global disease monitoring system ProMED each reported cases of unconfirmed pneumonia in children in northern China on Tuesday.
WHO “also requested additional information on recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV affecting infants and Mycoplasma pneumoniae [une bactérie causant une pneumonie]as well as on the degree of congestion of the health system »further specifies the press release.
The capital Beijing is currently facing a cold snap, with negative temperatures. The city “enters a season with a high incidence of infectious respiratory diseases”Wang Quanyi, deputy director and chief epidemiologist of the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, reminded reporters on Wednesday.