Leading scientists in the country are urging caution as the World Health Organization (WHO) investigates a surge in respiratory illnesses among children in China. Prof Sarah Kiguli, a pediatrician at Makerere University Medical School, emphasized the need for caution due to the limited information available about the illness. She advised implementing prevention measures such as mask-wearing and handwashing, similar to those used during the Covid-19 pandemic, to protect against the infection.
The WHO has been monitoring data from Chinese surveillance systems, which have shown an increase in respiratory illness in children since mid-October. Clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia cases have been reported in children's hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning, and other parts of China. In response, the WHO has requested additional epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory information from China to better understand the situation.
This comes in light of previous questions regarding the transparency of reporting on the early cases of Covid-19 in Wuhan, China. The WHO noted that Chinese authorities attributed the recent increase in respiratory diseases among children to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the arrival of the cold season, as well as the presence of known pathogens such as influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19). The WHO emphasized that Mycoplasma pneumoniae and RSV are known to affect children more than adults.
During a teleconference with Chinese health authorities, the WHO received data indicating an increase in outpatient consultations and hospital admissions of children due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia since May, and RSV, adenovirus, and influenza virus since October. The Chinese health authorities reported that the clinical manifestations of the current outbreak are caused by known pathogens in circulation, and there have been no changes in disease presentation.
The WHO acknowledged that there is limited detailed information available to fully assess the overall risk of the reported cases of respiratory illness in children. However, they stated that the increasing trend in respiratory illnesses is expected during the winter season, and the co-circulation of respiratory viruses may burden healthcare facilities. The WHO recommended measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, including vaccination against influenza, Covid-19, and other respiratory pathogens when appropriate.
Prof Samuel Majalija, a microbiologist at Makerere University, emphasized the ongoing need to adhere to prevention methods in the fight against Covid-19, as coronaviruses can rapidly change and spread, causing severe disease.
The WHO advised people in China to follow preventive measures such as avoiding contact with sick individuals, staying home when ill, getting tested and seeking medical care as needed, wearing masks when appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, and practicing regular handwashing.
In terms of travel, the WHO did not recommend any specific measures for travelers to China but advised individuals to avoid travel while experiencing respiratory illness symptoms and to seek medical attention if symptoms occur during or after travel, sharing their travel history with healthcare providers.
Prof Sarah Kiguli also emphasized the importance of applying protective measures in Uganda, such as hand sanitizing and being cautious in crowded places like taxis.
Overall, the situation in China is still being assessed, and further information is needed to fully understand the extent and nature of the respiratory illness outbreak among children.
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