On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially requested detailed information from China regarding an upswing in respiratory illnesses, particularly clusters of pneumonia in children.

Chinese authorities, during a press conference on November 13, reported a rise in respiratory diseases, attributing it to the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection affecting younger children), respiratory syncytial virus, and the virus causing COVID-19.

Emphasizing the necessity for heightened disease surveillance in healthcare and community settings, Chinese authorities underscored the need to strengthen the health system's capacity to manage patients, as reported by Reuters.

The transparency of reporting on early COVID-19 cases in Wuhan in late 2019 and early 2020 has raised questions for both China and the WHO.

On Wednesday, the WHO revealed that clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children were reported in northern China by groups such as the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases. It remains unclear whether these clusters are linked to the overall increase in respiratory infections reported by Chinese authorities or if they are separate events.

The WHO has requested additional epidemiological, clinical information, and laboratory results related to these outbreaks through the International Health Regulations mechanism. Additional information on trends in the circulation of known pathogens and the current strain on healthcare systems has also been sought.

While awaiting this information, the WHO recommends that people in China take measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, including vaccination, maintaining distance from those who are ill, staying home when unwell, testing and seeking medical care as needed, wearing masks as appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, and practicing regular handwashing.