Mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China: Hospitals overwhelmed as cases surge, WHO issues advisory

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday called on individuals in China to adhere to measures aimed at lowering the risk of respiratory illness.

Additionally, the organization requested further information from authorities regarding a documented increase in cases among children.

During a press briefing held on November 13, 2023, representatives from the National Health Commission in China disclosed a rise in the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the country.

Northern areas of the country have reported “an increase in influenza-like illness since mid-October when compared to the same period in the previous three years," the UN health body said in a statement posted on X.

On 21 November, the media and public disease surveillance system ProMED reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China.

Chinese authorities told reporters on November 13 that the respiratory illness spike was due to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza and common bacterial infections that affect children.

On November 21, the media and public disease surveillance system ProMED reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China.

The WHO said it was unclear if ProMED's report was related to the authorities' press conference and that it was seeking clarification.