WHO: No new unknown pathogens reported from China
Published: Thursday, Nov 23rd 2023, 22:30
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Following the unusual cluster of respiratory diseases in children in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has given the all-clear for the time being after consulting with Chinese authorities. In a telephone conference on Thursday, the Chinese health authorities emphasized that they had not discovered any unusual or new pathogens or unusual clinical pictures, the WHO reported in Geneva in the evening.
The illnesses were caused by several known respiratory pathogens, including rhinoviruses, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and mycoplasma infections (Mycoplasma pneumoniae), the Chinese authorities reported to the WHO. These are cell wall-less bacteria that only occur in humans and are spread worldwide. They can cause tracheobronchitis or pneumonia, especially in children and adolescents. Because the bacteria are cell wall-less, they are resistant to certain antibiotics, but can be easily treated with other antibiotics, according to the WHO.
The WHO had requested information from China after an increase in respiratory diseases in northern China became known. The media had reported an increase in undiagnosed pneumonia among children in the region. China's National Health Commission attributes the increase in such illnesses in the country to the spread of known pathogens following the lifting of the coronavirus measures. Other countries such as Germany also experienced particularly strong waves of colds afterwards.
Reports and pictures of full children's hospitals have been circulating on China's social media for days. The WHO recommended that China continue to monitor the cases. People should get vaccinated against influenza and Covid-19 if possible, stay away from sick people and self-isolate if they are ill, wear mouth-nose masks if necessary, ensure good ventilation and wash their hands regularly.
©Keystone/SDA
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