The latest situation came to light after WHO sought more information from China, citing a report by the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases on clusters of unidentified pneumonia in children. WHO said the data shared showed that the cases were linked to the spread of known pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumonia as well as the lifting of Covid restrictions.
Following Covid, a new illness is causing havoc in China once more. Due to the situation, which has resulted in child lines forming in hospitals, China on Friday urged caution in hospitals and schools due to an increase in respiratory illnesses.
Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) has asked for disease data from the government and said that no unusual or new pathogens have been detected.
China is struggling with respiratory diseases
China has been grappling with a surge in respiratory illnesses since strict Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in December. Cases are particularly visible in children in northern areas such as Beijing and Liaoning provinces. Constant warnings are being issued in hospitals and schools.
Warning given regarding COVID-19 infection
The State Council said that influenza will be at its peak this winter and spring, and mycoplasma pneumonia infection may also spread in some areas in the future. Besides, warnings have also been given about the risk of a resurgence of COVID-19 infection. The State Council issued a statement stating, “All localities should strengthen information reporting on infectious diseases, to ensure that information is provided in a timely and accurate manner.”
Disclosure after the WHO asked for a report
The recent situation came to light after WHO sought more information from China, citing a report by the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) on clusters of unidentified pneumonia in children. Both China and the WHO have faced questions about the transparency of reporting on the initial COVID-19 cases that emerged in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019.
Very common infection spread – WHO
On Thursday, WHO said China had responded to its request and that data provided by it showed the cases were linked to the spread of known pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumonia as well as the lifting of Covid restrictions.
Mycoplasma is a common bacterial infection, which usually affects children. This month, authorities began issuing health advisories warning people not to go to overcrowded hospitals.
China did not impose any kind of restriction
Nevertheless, as of right now, the Covid-era directives regarding mask wear and school closures have not been carried out. According to Bruce Thompson, dean of the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne School of Health Sciences, nothing alarming or unexpected was revealed by the extremely early data. He continued, “Nothing has been found to suggest that this could be a new variant of Covid.”
