The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over a rise in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children in northern China. The organization has requested more information from Chinese health officials, who stated on Thursday that they have not found any "unusual or novel diseases" related to the increase in illnesses. The WHO's request for information came after several groups, including the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases, reported undiagnosed pneumonia clusters in children in the region.

According to the WHO, outside scientists are calling for close monitoring of the situation, but they are not convinced that it signals the start of a new global outbreak. The organization noted that the spike in respiratory illnesses in China is attributed to the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Similar waves of respiratory viral infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), have been reported in other countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

China responded to the WHO's request within 24 hours through the International Health Regulations mechanism. The Chinese health authorities provided epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results. They reported an increase in influenza-like illnesses since mid-October in northern China compared to the previous three years. The WHO states that the arrival of new flu strains or other viruses capable of triggering pandemics often starts with undiagnosed clusters of respiratory illness.

The Chinese health officials confirmed that the spike in patients has not overwhelmed the country's hospitals. However, some hospitals in northern China have been swamped with outbreaks, prompting health authorities to encourage the public to take children with less severe symptoms to clinics and other facilities.

Local media in China, particularly in cities like Xian, have shared footage of crowded hospitals with children waiting to be seen by medical professionals. Social media users have also posted photos of children receiving intravenous drips while doing their homework. The International Society for Infectious Diseases Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) suggests that these reports indicate a widespread outbreak of an undiagnosed respiratory illness in several areas of China. However, it remains unclear when the outbreak started, as it is unusual for so many children to be affected rapidly. Reports also suggest that the illnesses predominantly show up in children, indicating some exposure at schools.

China's strict COVID-19 measures, known as "Covid zero," were in place for nearly two years before being abandoned in December 2020. These measures, including strict lockdowns, quarantines, mass testing, and contact tracing, prevented the spread of not only COVID-19 but also other illnesses. Chinese authorities attribute the current spike in illnesses to the lifting of these hard-line restrictions, as well as an autumn cold snap and the circulation of known pathogens, including RSV, influenza, and mycoplasma pneumonia.

The WHO has asked China for additional information about the reported outbreaks and lab results from affected children. They also want to know if the outbreaks have burdened the Chinese health system and to what extent. China is required to respond to the WHO within 24 hours under their rules. In the meantime, the WHO advises residents to follow standard measures to limit the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as vaccination, mask-wearing, regular handwashing, keeping distance from sick individuals, and staying at home when ill.

The Chinese National Health Commission has advised children with mild symptoms to first seek primary healthcare institutions or pediatrics departments of general hospitals due to the overcrowding and long waiting times in larger hospitals. The commission is closely monitoring the high incidence of infectious diseases among children and is guiding local authorities to enhance coordinated scheduling and implement a tiered diagnosis and treatment system.

It is important to note that scientists outside of China are not currently alarmed by the surge in respiratory illnesses, as they do not believe it signifies a new global outbreak. The situation calls for continued monitoring and cooperation between Chinese health authorities and the WHO to gather more information and provide appropriate measures to control the spread of these illnesses.