The World Health Organization (WHO) said on November 22 that it had formally requested China to provide more information on an increase in respiratory diseases and a reported cluster of pneumonia in children.Chinese official media reported that the number of children infected with mycoplasma pneumonia has increased sharply in many places in China in recent days, and there are "a few families or school classes where the disease gathers together." WHO asked China to provide further relevant information.
The following is a full translation of the WHO statement:
WHO statement on reported cluster of respiratory illness among children in northern China
At a press conference on November 13, 2023, Chinese officials from the National Health Commission reported that the incidence of respiratory diseases has increased in China. Chinese officials attribute this to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the spread of known pathogens such as influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection that often affects young children), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Authorities stressed the need to strengthen disease surveillance in health care facilities and community settings, and to strengthen the health system's capacity to manage patients.
On November 21, the media and the Program for Surveillance of Emerging Diseases (ProMED) website reported undiagnosed cluster pneumonia cases in children in northern China. It's unclear whether this is related to an overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese officials or is a separate incident.
On November 22, WHO requested more epidemiological and clinical information as well as laboratory test results from these reported clusters of children through the International Health Regulations. WHO also requested further information on recent epidemic trends in known pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus and mycoplasma pneumonia, and on the current burden on healthcare systems. WHO is also liaising with clinical staff and researchers through our existing technical partners and networks in China.
Since mid-October, northern China has reported an increase in influenza-like illnesses compared with the same period in the previous three years. China has a system for obtaining trend information on influenza, influenza-like illness, respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2, and reports to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System).
While WHO seeks more of this information, we recommend that people in China take measures to reduce respiratory illness, including getting vaccinated as recommended; keeping your distance from people who are sick; staying home when sick; getting tested and receiving medical treatment when necessary; wearing a mask when appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and washing hands frequently.
WHO will continue to provide updated information.