They rule out a new virus – China says rise in respiratory illnesses is caused by influenza and other pathogens

The World Health Organization has formally requested China to provide information on a possible increase in clusters of respiratory diseases and pneumonia in children, a worrying situation.

BEIJING (AP) — Respiratory Diseases exist China This attracted people’s attention World Health Organization (World Health Organization) is made up of influenza The health ministry said on Sunday the virus was caused by another known pathogen and not a new virus.

The recent emergence of clusters of respiratory infections is caused by the overlap of common viruses such as influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus, and bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common culprit of respiratory infections. A spokesman for the National Health Commission said.

The health ministry is calling on local authorities to open more fever clinics and promote vaccinations for children and the elderly as the country faces a wave of respiratory illnesses in its first full winter after lifting COVID-19 restrictions.

Mi Feng, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, said that it is necessary to increase the opening of relevant clinics and treatment areas, extend service hours, and increase the supply of medicines.

Feng recommended that people wear masks and asked local authorities to focus on preventing the spread of the disease in crowded places such as schools and nursing homes.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organization formally requested China to provide information on a possible increase in clusters of respiratory illnesses and pneumonia in children, as noted by multiple media reports and global infectious disease surveillance agencies.

The emergence of new influenza strains or other viruses capable of causing a pandemic often begins with clusters of undiagnosed respiratory illnesses. Both SARS and COVID-19 were initially reported as unusual types of pneumonia.

Chinese authorities earlier this month blamed the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions for a rise in respiratory illnesses. Other countries have also seen increases in respiratory illnesses, such as respiratory syncytial virus, when pandemic restrictions ended.