#17,790
For several months we've been aware of a rising tide of respiratory illness - primarily reported in children - in Mainland China (see FluTrackers threads here, here, and here) which has officially been attributed to seasonal viruses (flu, RSV, COVID, etc.) along with Mycoplasma Pneumonia (see WHO Nov 24th Risk Analysis ).
While citing `limited detailed information', the WHO wrote (emphasis mine):
In the current outbreak of respiratory illness, the reported symptoms are common to several respiratory diseases and, as of now, at the present time, Chinese surveillance and hospital systems report that the clinical manifestations are caused by known pathogens in circulation. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen and a common cause of paediatric pneumonia, and is readily treated with antibiotics.This is entirely plausible, given that many other countries (see here, here, and here) have reported unusual upticks in respiratory infections after relaxing or abandoning their COVID restrictions. But the lack of details - and some of the (limited) news coming out of China (see below) - raises concerns.
- In recent days we've seen (unverified) media reports showing public health workers in full PPE disinfecting public places (see Newsweek China's COVID Trauma Returns As Hazmat Workers Disinfect Streets), a scene previously reported from China during the pandemic.
- Today's headline from Newsweek is equally concerning; Doctor Describes China's Overwhelmed Hospitals: "Verge of Collapse"
Some of this could be hyperbole - and none of this means that a new pathogen has emerged - only that China is struggling to deal with their current surge in patients. And that could just as easily be due to the combined impact of seasonal respiratory illnesses.
There are reports on FluTrackers of some children treated for pneumonia `relapsing' 2 or 3 times, which may be more suggestive of antibiotic resistance than a new virus (see Severe problem of macrolides resistance to common pathogens in China).
But of course, China continues to hold information close to the vest - including little or no news on avian flu for months - which means that other countries must take prudent precautions.
With the Chinese Lunar New Year just over 2 months away, and concerns that China's epidemic could worsen, today Taiwan's Ministry of Health released the following (translated) statement, ordering all departments to be vigilant, and prepare contingency plans, in the event the epidemics on Mainland China threaten the ROC (Republic of China).
Chen Kui: Closely monitor the development of respiratory disease epidemics in China, adjust epidemic prevention measures on a rolling basis, and strengthen the preparation of epidemic prevention medical supplies.Source: Executive Yuan
Date of creation: 112-11-30
Updated time: 112-11-30
After listening to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's "Current Situation and Response to Respiratory Disease Epidemics in China" report at the Executive Yuan today (30th), Executive President Chen Jianren said that the epidemic situation of respiratory tract infections in China is expected to show an upward trend.
Considering the frequent exchanges between people across the Taiwan Strait, Our country has strengthened surveillance of epidemic pathogens of related diseases. The director instructs the airport and port quarantine stations to be fully vigilant, and asks the Ministry of Health and Welfare to adjust epidemic prevention measures on a rolling basis based on the development of the epidemic, strengthen health education propaganda, and prepare epidemic prevention medical supplies and capacity; at the same time, relevant ministries and commissions should also prepare for the Lunar New Year holidays. In view of the large number of people returning home, relevant preparation and contingency plans must be planned in advance to protect the health of the Chinese people.
Dean Chen pointed out that the recent outbreak of respiratory infections in China is currently dominated by influenza virus, and there are also other pathogens such as rhinovirus, mycoplasma, adenovirus, and new coronavirus. Based on the available data, this wave of epidemics is presumed to be caused by known pathogens that are highly prevalent in the community. No new pathogens have been detected so far, and there are no special mutations of known pathogens. However, due to current limited information and considering the drop in temperature, it is expected that China will The wave of epidemics will continue to show an upward trend.
Dean Chen further pointed out that the current domestic respiratory infection epidemic has not increased as sharply as in China, and the influenza-like epidemic has been on a downward trend for seven consecutive weeks since mid-September this year (2023). However, people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait have frequent exchanges. In response to China The epidemic of respiratory diseases is on the rise, and China has strengthened surveillance of the epidemic causes of related diseases.
Director Chen instructs the airport and port quarantine stations to be fully vigilant, and also requests the Ministry of Health and Welfare to strengthen management, continue to closely monitor the epidemic situation at home and abroad, adjust epidemic prevention measures according to the development of the epidemic, and strengthen health education propaganda to improve the safety of passengers traveling to and from China, Hong Kong and Macao. Knowledge and capabilities for epidemic prevention, and at the same time, strengthening the preparation and preparation of epidemic prevention medical-related materials and capabilities. In addition, in response to the influx of people returning home during the Lunar New Year holiday, the dean instructed relevant ministries to plan relevant preparation and contingency plans in advance to better protect the health of the Chinese people.
While hopefully what is going on in China is exactly as advertised, prudence demands that nations take their outbreak seriously, and prepare accordingly.
