WHO Urges China for Full Disclosure on Mysterious Respiratory Outbreaks

The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally requested detailed information from China regarding the recent increase in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children. Chinese authorities attributed the rise to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza and mycoplasma pneumoniae. The WHO has asked for additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results, to better understand these outbreaks. The organization also recommends that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, including vaccination, maintaining distance from sick individuals, and practicing good hygiene.