Amid a surge in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia, hospitals in northern China, particularly the Beijing Children’s Hospital, are reportedly overwhelmed with sick children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested additional data from Beijing as concerned parents queue up for registration, with waiting rooms filled, some children receiving IV drips.
The WHO, after reviewing China’s data, noted that the rise in cases occurred earlier than expected in the season, attributing it to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, a pattern seen in other countries post-restriction relaxation. Chinese health authorities haven’t identified new or unusual pathogens, and hospitals reportedly haven’t exceeded their capacities despite the increased patient load.
Despite the situation, the WHO emphasized that there is no indication of a global threat, advising against travel restrictions based on the current information. Since mid-October, northern China has witnessed a rise in respiratory diseases, coinciding with the end of the National Day holiday week, a busy travel period. This marks China’s first full flu season since the relaxation of stringent Covid-19 restrictions last year, similar to trends observed in countries like Australia and New Zealand.
Jin Dong-yan, a virologist at the University of Hong Kong, commented, “We don’t think there is a major issue there or some unknown disease that is hidden. We have no evidence for that.” The situation in China parallels experiences in other nations, suggesting a probable increase in respiratory illnesses following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
⚠️UNDIAGNOSED PNEUMONIA OUTBREAK—An emerging large outbreak of pneumonia in China, with pediatric hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning overwhelmed with sick children, & many schools suspended. Beijing Children's Hospital overflowing. 🧵on what we know so far:pic.twitter.com/hmgsQO4NEZ
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) November 22, 2023
