WHO Queries China About Mystery Pneumonia As Sick Children Fill Hospitals

• The World Health Organization has requested more information from China about the disease affecting children.
• Chinese authorities reported an increase in respiratory illnesses earlier this month.
• On November 21, reports circulated that children in northern China were suffering from “undiagnosed pneumonia.”

of who The WHO has asked China for “detailed information” on the respiratory disease affecting children in the country’s north.

In a statement released Wednesday, the group requested “additional epidemiological and clinical information” following reports of “undiagnosed pneumonia” spreading among children.

Citing social media posts, the South China Morning Post reported that clinics and emergency rooms were crowded due to the rise in cases. Hospitals in northern China NBC News reported that it appears to be “overwhelmed with sick children.”

The WHO statement said Chinese authorities have attributed the surge in cases to “the lifting of restrictions on COVID-19 and the spread of known pathogens such as influenza and mycoplasma pneumonia.” (a common bacterial infection that usually affects young children), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19)). ”

The Chinese government later announced that there were no new or unusual pathogens that could cause the disease, the South China Morning Post reported.

Memories of the new coronavirus infection outbreak

China faced further scrutiny over the news as it evoked memories of its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Health experts added that the report said there was a continuing problem of drug resistance due to overuse of antibiotics, which helped spread the disease caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterium.

The bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae usually causes a “mild respiratory infection,” but in some cases it can cause serious problems that require hospitalization. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health organizations say good hygiene is key to preventing the spread of germs to others.

The WHO urges people in China to “get the recommended vaccinations, keep your distance from people who are sick, stay home when sick, seek testing and medical care as needed, and He suggested concrete measures be taken to reduce the risk of infection, such as wearing masks and ensuring safety. Adequate ventilation and regular hand washing.