China’s Health Ministry clarified that the recent surge in respiratory illnesses across the country is attributed to common pathogens like the flu, rhinoviruses, and mycoplasma pneumoniae etc. The ministry called for increased efforts, including the opening of more fever clinics, extended service hours, and enhanced medicine supply. WHO had formally requested information about the spike, and Chinese health officials provided data showing an increase in hospital admissions for various diseases since October. While concerns arise, the WHO stated that it is too early to assess the risk of these reported cases in children. The surge follows the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in China.
China Attributes Surge in Respiratory Illnesses to Known Pathogens, Not Novel Virus
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