[1/3]People wait for a ride outside a children’s hospital in Beijing, China, on November 24, 2023.Reuters/Florence Lo/File photo Obtaining license rights
BEIJING, Nov 26 (Reuters) – China’s Ministry of Health on Sunday ordered local governments to send fever outpatient clinics as they grapple with a surge in respiratory illnesses as the country enters its first full-fledged winter since the easing of coronavirus restrictions. We requested that the number be increased.
The surge became a global issue last week when the World Health Organization asked China for more information, citing a report by the Emerging Disease Surveillance Program on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children.
China and the WHO have faced questions about the transparency of their reporting during the early stages of the pandemic, which began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. The WHO announced Friday that no new or unusual pathogens have been detected in the recent illness.
Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said on Sunday that the surge in acute respiratory illnesses is linked to the simultaneous outbreak of several pathogens, most notably influenza.
“Efforts need to be made to increase the number of relevant clinics and treatment areas, appropriately extend clinic hours, and strengthen the guarantee of drug supply,” Mi said at a press conference.
“Epidemic prevention and control in major crowded places such as schools, child care facilities, and nursing homes should be appropriately implemented to reduce the flow of people and visits.”
Children are particularly infected in northern regions such as Beijing and Liaoning province, where hospitals have warned that waiting times could be longer.
China’s State Council said on Friday that the influenza epidemic is expected to peak this winter and spring, and that mycoplasma pneumonia infections will remain high in some areas. He also warned of the risk of a resurgence of coronavirus infections.
“All provinces should strengthen information reporting on infectious diseases and ensure timely and accurate information reporting,” the State Council said in a statement.
On Thursday, the WHO said data provided by China showed that the most recent cases of coronavirus infection were the lifting of restrictions 11 months ago, and a common outbreak affecting children that has been circulating since May. This suggests that the virus is associated with the circulation of known pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common bacterial infection. .
Report by Laurie Chen.Editing: William Mallard
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