Concerns about an increase in respiratory diseases in China
To this day, China is associated with the origin of the coronavirus. The country is said to have initially tried to cover up the disease. Beijing has always rejected the accusations. The fact that "undiagnosed pneumonia" is on the rise in northern China is now prompting the WHO to take action.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it has officially asked China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory diseases and reported clusters of pneumonia in children. This follows media reports of clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in northern China. It was unclear whether these were linked to the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities or were separate events.
At a press conference a week and a half ago, Chinese authorities reported an increase in respiratory diseases in China to the National Health Commission, according to the WHO. The Chinese authorities had attributed this to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the spread of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, the RS virus and SARS-CoV-2.
WHO has now requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information as well as laboratory results on the reported clusters of pneumonia in children. "We have also requested further information on current trends in the spread of known pathogens such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and mycoplasma pneumonia, as well as the current burden on the health system," it said in a statement.
People in China are advised to follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory diseases. These include the recommended vaccination, keeping distance from sick people, staying at home when sick, testing, wearing a mask, ventilation and hand washing.
China is still suspected of being responsible for the spread of the coronavirus around four years ago, for example through a laboratory accident. Beijing is said to have initially tried to cover up the spread. The government has always denied these allegations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested China to provide detailed information about the rise in respiratory diseases and reported clusters of pneumonia, given the association of China with the origin of coronaviruses. This request comes in light of concerns about illnesses and potential links to previous reports of respiratory infections.
Despite past accusations of covering up illness outbreaks, such as with the initial spread of coronaviruses, China emphasizes its commitment to transparency and is cooperating with the WHO to provide necessary information.
Source: www.ntv.de
