China: Respiratory epidemics caused by known pathogens

Chinese health authorities They reaffirmed, based on recent case-tracking data, that the high incidence of respiratory illnesses in recent weeks is due to known pathogens.

The National Health Commission of that Asian country announced at a press conference that it did not detect any infection due to to new viruses or bacteria and assured that it is in direct communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the situation.

Already in November, the WHO requested detailed information from the Asian country about the recent increase in cases of respiratory diseases and outbreaks of pneumonia in children, to which China responded that the outbreak was caused by “known pathogens” such as seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus.

Commission spokesman Mi Feng said the authorities are actively monitoring and assessing the outbreaks, and measures have already been put in place to optimize health resources, improve treatment processes and increase the role of traditional Chinese medicine in dealing with these diseases.

Mi also reiterated the strengthening of pediatric units at all levels of health care, which includes extending working hours, increasing hospital beds and simplifying the registration and consultation process.

In addition, the spokesperson noted that medical supplies are “guaranteed,” including vaccines against influenza and other seasonal viruses with the aim of achieving early immunization of vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

China’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention insisted earlier this week that there was “no reason to worry about the rise in respiratory diseases, which are common at this time of year.”

China meets “Currently in a period of high incidence of respiratory diseaseswith the coexistence or exchange of multiple infectious agents,” said the institution, noting that influenza and mycoplasma pneumonia infection “are in the phase of high transmission.”

The center issued a series of recommendations for “closed places with poor air circulation” such as schools or kindergartens, where there is a “high incidence of respiratory diseases”.

In addition, many local health authorities advised parents to bring their children local clinics in the early stages of the disease, because they can reduce the pressure on large hospitals.

Currently, authorities have not released infection figures nationally, although centers such as the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (center) have reported 2,000 daily visits to their pediatric wards, 70% of which are for respiratory infections, according to a hospital representative cited local newspaper Global Times.

For its part, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured this “no reason to worry” due to a growing outbreak of respiratory infections and that “travel and business in China is safe,” according to spokesman Wang Wenbin.