Concern in China after an increase in respiratory diseases… Will COVID-19 restrictions return?
China urged caution on Friday as respiratory diseases spread in schools and hospitals.
The World Health Organization, which requested data from the government about the illness, stated that it has not detected any unusual or new causes for the diseases.
China is experiencing a significant increase in respiratory illnesses as it enters the first winter season since lifting strict restrictions imposed in December to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The State Council (central government) said that influenza will peak this winter and in the spring, and cases of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma will remain high in some regions in the future. It also warned of the risk of the return of COVID-19 infections.
Mycoplasma pneumonia, a common bacterial infection usually affecting children, has been spreading in the country since May.
The situation came to light this week when the World Health Organization requested additional information from China, citing a report from the Emerging Diseases Surveillance Program about the emergence of clusters of pneumonia cases in children.
The organization stated on Thursday that China responded to its request, and the data provided indicates that the cases are linked to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the spread of known disease agents, such as mycoplasma pneumonia.
Authorities began issuing health warnings and cautioning the public about long waits in crowded hospitals earlier this month, but they have not taken measures like those imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as mask mandates or school closures.
The spread of respiratory diseases in China is a source of concern for health authorities as the country seeks to maintain control over COVID-19.
