The World Health Organization is investigating mysterious cases of pneumonia among Chinese children. Here’s what you need to know
The World Health Organization is requesting detailed information from China on an increase in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia among the country’s children, using language similar to a Jan. 5, 2020, missive regarding the pathogen that would become known as COVID-19.
Officials from China’s National Health Commission reported an increase in respiratory illness at a Nov. 13 press conference, the WHO said in a Wednesday press release. Chinese officials at the time attributed the increase to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions—which occurred a year ago—and the circulation of viruses like flu and RSV.
On Tuesday additional reports were received of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China, the WHO said. It is unclear if the cases overlapped with those reported by Chinese officials earlier in the month.
On Wednesday the WHO requested additional information from the Eastern super power, including patient lab results and information on the circulation of known respiratory pathogens like flu, COVID-19, and RSV, as well as how such circulation is affecting health care systems, the organization said.
Dr. Stuart Ray, vice chair of medicine for data integrity and analytics at Johns Hopkins’ Department of Medicine, called the infections “concerning” and said “rapid response and evaluating is the right path.”
“But it’s not so out of the ordinary that we should presume this is due to a new pathogen,” he told Fortune late Wednesday. “We can hope that authorities there will evaluate rapidly, take appropriate steps for mitigating spread, and be forthcoming about the nature and severity of the epidemic.”
Northern China has reported an increase in flu-like illness over the past month, when compared to levels seen during the past three years, according to the WHO.
While the WHO seeks additional information, it recommends that Chinese citizens obtain recommended vaccinations, maintain distance from those who are ill, stay home when sick, wear masks “as appropriate,” ensure good ventilation, wash their hands, and obtain medical care as needed.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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Original: Fortune | FORTUNE: The World Health Organization is investigating mysterious cases of pneumonia among Chinese children. Here’s what you need to know