The World Health Organization expressed concern about a surge in respiratory illnesses in China on Wednesday, November 22, and surveyed the population “act” Protection.
“The WHO has officially asked China for detailed information about the increase in respiratory diseases and pneumonia outbreaks among children.”states the press release published on “Measures to reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.” »
These measures, which have already been developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, include vaccinations, keeping a distance from those who are sick, staying at home if symptoms occur, testing and, if necessary, care and, if necessary, wearing a mask and good ventilation. Premises and washing hands.
The WHO issued an appeal on November 22 after Chinese authorities and Chinese media reported a surge in respiratory illnesses, including outbreaks of undiagnosed pneumonia among children in northern China “additional epidemiological and clinical information and laboratory results on these reported outbreaks in children through the International Health Regulations mechanism”.
The WHO and the difficult relationship with China
The organization “Additional information was also requested on recent trends in the spread of known pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19), RSV, which affects infants, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, as well as the level of congestion. “the health system”the press release further specifies.
WHO is connecting with clinicians and scientists through our existing technical partnerships and networks in China.
The UN agency said Chinese authorities attributed this increase in respiratory illnesses to the lifting of Covid-19-related restrictions and the spread of known pathogens.
During a press conference on November 13, they emphasized the need to improve disease surveillance in health facilities and community settings and strengthen the health system’s capacity to care for patients, reminds the WHO.
The organization did not provide any information about China’s response to the request for information.
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The WHO has repeatedly criticized Chinese authorities for their lack of transparency and cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic, the first cases of which appeared in China in late 2019.
This lack of cooperation has also been denounced by the WHO and many other countries in the investigation to determine the origins of the pandemic, which has still not produced a definitive conclusion.
