Alarm in China over strange childhood pneumonia has Beijing hospitals ‘crowded’

the Global Health Organization He asked (the World Health Organization). China detailed information About increase respiratory system diseases And the Cases of pneumonia in childrenWhich her office in China described on Thursday as a “routine” examination. According to a report from Reuters Chinese authorities in National Health Commission They held a press conference on November 13 to report A Increased incidence of respiratory diseases.

These authorities attributed The increase in these cases is due to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions The circulation of pathogens known as flu, Mycoplasma pneumoniaeIt is a common bacterial infection that usually affects younger children. Respiratory syncytial virus and the virus that causes COVID-19.

Both China and the World Health Organization They faced questions about the transparency of reporting The first cases of infection with Coronavirus Covid-19 Which I grew up in Wuhan city in central China At the end of 2019.

The World Health Organization said on Wednesday that groups such as Emerging diseases monitoring programme Clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children have been reported in northern China. The World Health Organization said it is unclear whether these are linked to infection with the disease A general increase in respiratory infections Previously reported by Chinese authorities or separate events.

The World Health Organization has requested Epidemiological information Additional clinical and laboratory findings resulting from reported childhood outbreaks, by mechanism International health regulations.

also China has requested more information About trends in Circulation of pathogens known and the burden it places on healthcare systems. The World Health Organization said that it is in contact with doctors and scientists through its technical associations and networks in China.

In an independently issued statement, a reporter said Emerging diseases monitoring programme (ProMED) in Beijing, Dan Silver, talks about it “Hospitals are overcrowded with children” In places like Beijing or Liaoning, they are even considering suspending classes. Families wait “two hours in line” to receive treatment at medical centers or traditional Chinese medicine institutions.

the WHO Office in China He noted that it is “usual” to request information from member states, such as China, about the increase Respiratory diseases and pneumonia in children.

In the press conference held last week, there was no mention of this Undiagnosed pneumoniaaccording to the transcript, but one speaker said everyone had a feeling he was there this year Increase in respiratory diseases Compared to what it was three years ago.

The Chinese authorities have been widely criticized for this Information opacity Which they continued The outbreak of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, Criticism also arrived Confidentiality accepted by the World Health Organization To conduct subsequent field investigations.

The World Health Organization has requested information epidemiological and clinical, In addition to laboratory samples obtained from patients with new pneumonia in children through International health regulation mechanism. He also requested data on the circulation of specific pathogens and the saturation of the health system.

At the same time, several recommendations were sent to residents to mitigate the risk of infection. These include Get vaccinated against influenza to avoid outbreaks of other diseases Of respiratory diseases. Distance if you have symptoms; Avoid contact with people while you are sick. Conduct tests to identify circulating pathogens; Wear a mask when appropriate; Interior spaces are well ventilated; And Wash your hands well.